Follow Kerala and Telangana: RSS-linked trade body tells Modi govt to help workers

BMS also asked the Centre to ensure that stranded migrants reach home safe

migrant-labourers-lockdown The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh has asked the Centre to help migrant labourers during the lockdown | Salil Bera

RSS-affiliated trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) on Friday asked the Union government to take steps to help the lakhs of migrant labourers who are stranded or facing loss of livelihoods due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The workers’ union also asked the Centre to follow some of the steps taken by Kerala, Telangana and Delhi.

While Kerala and Telangana paid Rs 3,000 and Rs 1,500 respectively per worker in the beedi sector, the Delhi government extended financial help to street vendors, rickshaw pullers.

“The long drawn lockdown caused closure of activities and also loss of employment. The migrants endured on their own for a fortnight. But at the month end, their worries for family- wellbeing became paramount concern and the only thought was to go home. In this calamity, migrants were on move, finding whatever source that came handy. And a few left on foot for homes,” the BMS said in a memorandum submitted to Home Minister Amit Shah.

The trade union also asked the government to be mindful of lakhs of NRIs who will be returning to India. “A large numbers of NRIs stranded in Gulf countries and in Malaysia are eager to return to India. Their livelihood in India is a matter of concern. An exhaustive rehabilitation programme needs to be launched. The states concerned will have to get ready just in time,” BMS general secretary Virjesh Upadhyay said.

The BMS said the migrant workers can broadly fall under three categories: those who have reached their natives places; those stranded midway; those still are around their work places.

The trade union said the last two categories should be of immediate priority. “Those who stranded midway must reach home on priority. And provide jobs to those who are still around their work places. The need is to permit open, export units, construction sites and SMEs.”

It proposed that those who have reached homes should be employed through the MNREGA scheme. “This way employment for a fortnight or a month around their residences could be generated. The nearby semi urban stations could be tapped for starting construction activities and could start tiny and rural industries,” the BMS said.

For those who want to return to work, transportation is required to be arranged. “This way economy and employment may slowly walk back to normalcy,” it further said.

For the construction workers, the BMS suggested that all the registered workers be paid in cash, while those unregistered construction workers be extended the relief amounts on production of identification documents.

For Beedi workers, it suggested that they be allowed to work from their homes, as government can arrange to collect rolled beedies and ensure payment of minimum wages. “Unregistered beedi workers to start getting BPL benefits. Follow Kerala state who paid Rs 3,000 per worker and Telangana (who paid) Rs 1,500,” the memorandum said.

“Non-Fishing Allowance payment should be made forthwith to fisherman engaged in sea fishing,” it said and also demanded aid to those fishermen engaged in Inland fishing with immediate commission of fishing activities.

The trade body suggested that along with farmers, even the farm workers also be paid relief money. It suggested financial packages, loans and use of MNREGA for workers. One year tax holiday, interest waiver on loan for a year, financial package for handloom workers/weavers, sufficient supply of yarn at reasonable price and financial help to domestic workers are among the other demands raised by the BMS.