Future-Proofing Migrant Care: Jharkhand’s Forward-Looking Initiative to Eradicate Uncertainty
A Control Room that’s a Lifeline for Migrants: The Success Story of Jharkhand’s State Migrant Control Room
In a world where millions of people are forced to leave their homes in search of better opportunities, the State Migrant Control Room (SMCR) of Jharkhand has become a beacon of hope for many. As a 24/7 helpline, the SMCR has evolved from a crisis response mechanism to a comprehensive support system for migrant workers. In this article, we’ll delve into the workings of this vital control room and its incredible stories of rescue, relief, and rehabilitation.
Established in March 2020, the SMCR was initially designed to provide a single point of contact for migrant workers and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has grown to become a one-stop solution for addressing the concerns of migrant workers, including providing legal aid, skill training, and supporting migrant families. “We have handled over 11 lakh calls and resolved 66,831 cases,” explains Shikha Lakra, the head of the SMCR. The control room has also brought back 74 Jharkhand workers from Cameroon and helped them recover Rs 69.77 lakh in unpaid dues.
The SMCR’s success stories go far beyond mere statistics. “We have helped migrants tackle wage disputes, dealt with cases of trafficking, and provided assistance with labour law violations,” says Lakra. The control room has also spearheaded rescue operations, repatriating over 9 lakh migrants to Jharkhand, including 1,800 rescued from foreign countries. It has also helped bring back the mortal remains of over 1,000 workers who died outside Jharkhand.
One such success story is that of Teklal Mahato, one of the 47 migrant workers who were rescued from Cameroon in a high-profile operation. “The Jharkhand government then rescued us,” says Mahato, who now works as a daily wager in Nagpur. The SMCR’s rescue mission was a lifeline for Mahato and his fellow workers, who were facing exploitation and mistreatment in Cameroon.
The SMCR’s impressive success rate can be attributed to its seamless integration with government agencies, NGOs, and corporations. It has teamed up with various stakeholders to run campaigns on migrant worker schemes, such as e-Shram, the national database of unorganised workers. The control room also provides training and awareness programs for migrant workers, helping them understand their rights and entitlements under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979.
As the SMCR continues to grow and expand its services, it remains committed to making migration safer and more dignified for all. In the words of Lakra, “We’re constantly pushing to make migration safer and dignified for all.” With its impressive track record and tireless efforts, the SMCR has become a beacon of hope for millions of migrant workers worldwide.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/covid-is-past-but-it-future-proofs-this-jharkhand-control-room-for-migrants-9913708/
Category : Long Reads
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Publish Date: 2025-03-30 04:05:00
