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Letter to MHA, demanding the RETURN of stranded Migrant Labourers

On 30.04.2020, in reference to the Government Order vide memo No.40-3/2020-DM-I (A) issued by Ministry of Home Affairs, North Block, New Delhi, concerning the return of stranded people to their respective home states. We the Right to Food and Work Campaign, West Bengal along with 20+ member Organisations have written a letter to Home Secretary, MHA, Govt. of India and Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal demanding the RETURN of stranded migrant workers since 24.03.2020 along with Seven (7) & Eight (8) point demands respectively (Coverage: Matters India) The letter to Home Secretary, MHA, Govt. of India is as follows: 

(Please follow the link provided at the bottom to preview the letters to Home Secretary, MHA, Govt. of India & to Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal)
                                                                                                                          Date: - 30th April, 2020

To
Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla
Home Secretary
Ministry of Home Affairs,
North Block
New Delhi-110001, India

Sub: Demands during RETURN journey of stranded migrant labourers


Dear Sir,

This is in reference to the Government Order (No.40-3/2020-DM-I (A)) issued by your esteemed office concerning the return of stranded people to their respective home states. We wish to raise the following demands for humane implementation of the much needed exercise:
  1. Trains should be used instead of buses as the number of migrants and distances are huge. Also trains will be less costly and can be done on Indian Railways/ Central Govt. expenses.
  2. Costs to be borne by the Central Govt and not by the state governments. Further, the costs definitely should not be recovered from the stranded migrant workers.
  3. During the train journey, food and healthcare facilities should be provided on-board. Food arrangements are also necessary for such facilities may not be available in the stations and on platforms.
  4. We believe that self isolation in village that they return to will not be possible or practical. Such a step may even expose the resident villagers to additional risks of contracting the infection. Instead, closed school and other government buildings should be utilized for supervised isolation.
  5. Food to be provided by Government during 14 days of isolation.
  6. Both source states and beneficiary states should draw up a comprehensive strategy to look into the aspect of health check-up(s) of the migrants.
  7. Full autonomy should be provided to stranded labourers in deciding their travel plans. No one should be forced either to stay back or to return to their home states.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,
Anuradha Talwar, Fr. Jothi S.J, Pawan Baxla and Tapojay Mukherjee
(On behalf of the Right to Food and Work Network, West Bengal)
Endorsements:

1.           Aiyni Sahayata-O-Shramik Krishak Kalyan Kendra
2.           Association of Bengal Collaborators for Development
3.           Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha
4.           Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee
5.           Gitaldaha Bikas Samiti
6.           Human Life Development & Research Center
7.           Human Rights Law Network
8.           Islampur Ramkrishnapally Rural Welfare Society
9.           Malda Sahayogita Samiti
10.      Mukto Kantho Mahila Samity
11.      Narayan Integrated Development Society
12.      Nari o Shishu Kalyan Kendra
13.      Pally Samaj Gram Unnayan Samity
14.      Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity
15.      Sampurna Nari Kalyan Samity
16.      Samsia Rural Health and Economic Development Society
17.      SEWA Bharat
18.      Shramajibi Mahila Samity
19.      Shripur Mahila-O-Khadi Unnayan Samity
20.      South Kolkata Sannidhya
21.      Sutanutir Sakhya
22.      Swayam
23.      Udayani Social Action Forum
24.      Uttar Bangal Chai Mazdoor Adhikar Manch

 (To preview Letter to Home Secretary, MHA, Govt. of India, Click here)
(To preview Letter to Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal, Click here)

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