Introduction
COVID-19 has initiated a cycle of unprecedented norms. Never ever had the current generation envisaged such a scenario of ‘collective quarantine’ wherein the complete nation, or rather the entire world would come to a screeching halt. This application of brakes, in the current scenario, is more out of compulsion than by choice. The current leadership in India, both at the central and the state level have undertaken several steps to deal with the pandemic. However, a myriad of grey areas continues to emerge out of oblivion and seek the attention of both the policy mpolicymakersakers as well as the common man. One such issue is that of labour migration. While most states continue to view it as a problem/concern, their return also provides new opportunities to the native states in many ways.
Migrants are an integral part of society. Nearly, most of us are dependent on the services of migrants. Migrants from the backbone of our economy as they provide cheap services when it comes to our daily needs and domestic help, cheap labour for construction and infrastructural development and by doing menial blue-collar tasks which the people from educated and privilege do not engage in. They often quietly affect us yet remain unnoticed. But the pandemic which forced the central and state governments to impose strict lockdown across the country has had severe implications on the migrants. As one of the outcomes, the country witnessed thousands of migrants thronging the streets and ‘violating’ the laws that restricted (or rather curbed) free movement to avoid the spread of the disease. They could be seen in extended queues and unending numbers swarming the roads and major transportation intersections. This event was reflective of the uncertainties that the migrants face in the existent precarious times.
Current Realities
Migration in India occurs for multiple reasons like marriage, education, employment avenues or even due to natural disasters. However, the most important among them is economic migration. In India, rural to urban migration has increased significantly over the years. What we recently witnessed in various cities in India, was the sight of such migrants who had moved to these urban places when the threat of a pandemic of such a scale was not envisaged and are now endeavouring to return to their hometowns due to the abrupt closure of employment opportunity and thereby their livelihood. In their view, it was a clear choice for them between dying due to the disease or out of hunger and poverty. This mass exodus has raised many pertinent questions.
Some of the relevant questions being raised address the uncertainties of those who are currently unemployed due to the prevailing situation and still be stuck in the places/cities of work, about their well-being, their health and hygiene and basic necessary amenities. Another important question for the authorities is how to bring them back post the Covid-19 scenario. The pandemic has shown us that the systems of economics, of society and of services are highly dependent on the migrants and their absence might cripple multiple services, But one question, which is of great importance and probably has been overlooked, is how to gainfully utilize the services of those who have now returned and reached their hometowns or native place of residence?
Possibilities
Appropriate handling of the migrants who have since returned and reached home needs a novel approach and a sound strategy. While it would be in the interest of the urban centres of the industry to re-attract these migrants, it might also be worthwhile for home-states/cities to retain them and utilize their services. In this way, the added value to their individual skills, their experiences and expertise which they have earned elsewhere.
The now-returned-migrants have imbibed distinct aspects of work culture and livelihood. They carry a wealth of professional practices and lessons learnt. They have learnt new skills and have honed their existing ones. Furthermore, some even have hands-on experience with the best industrial procedures. They have the technical know-how, can adapt quickly and can expeditiously turn ideas into results through their perseverance and creativity. They carry a never-say-die attitude and are ‘the phoenix’ who are ready to rise at the very next opportunity. Some of them are tech-savvy while others are hardworking and diligent, some are smart performers while others are laborious. They are the ‘ready-to-use knowledge houses’ albeit without guidance and financial support.
Tapping this readily available human resource should remain one of the focus areas of the state machinery. The creation of a dedicated mechanism to best utilize their skills will result in unparalleled results. Establishing a single-window-systems to generate employment, provisioning funding, creating result-oriented programs at the district and local levels and involving the private sector along with non-governmental entities are some of the steps that can be considered in this direction. With the right blend of ingenuity and initiative, their talent and capabilities can be utilized to propel the state economy; and hence the national GNP. All that is required is strategic planning and translation of such plans into executable programs coupled with the right guidance and regular mentoring.
There may not be a need for Mumbai(s) and Delhi(s) for these migrants if the same effect could be generated in their home states by the state governments. It needs to be understood that though certain dreams have been shattered, their determination remains intact.
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