Over 8,432 migrant workers housed in 219 shelters

More than 8,400 workers have been housed in over 215 shelters set up across the state, the Labour and Employment department said on Monday.

“The state immediately initiated actions after the migration of intra-state and inter-state workers came to attention in the wake of the nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Labour shelters were set up by districts from March 27, and as on April 4, a total of 8,432 workers are housed in 219 shelters across various districts,” the Labour and Employment department said in Action Taken Reports in response to a writ petition filed in the Supreme Court.

Vipul Mittra, additional chief secretary of Labour and Employment department said that district collectors have issued notifications under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, and the state government is taking proper care of the workers as per the provisions.

“The workers have been provided amenities such as lodging and food. They are also being provided necessary medical care, and counseling by trained counselors,” said Mittra.

An exodus of migrant workers had started from Gujarat after the announcement of the 21-day nation-wide lockdown from March 25. While thousands of workers managed to crossover to Rajasthan, MP, and Maharashtra, many others were prevented from doing so after the Central government ordered sealing of inter-state borders, and stopping of movement of people to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. These stranded workers, many of them with their family members, were housed in the shelters set up by the state government.

“The state machinery is vigilant and complying with directives and advisories issued by the central government for containment of spread of Covid-19 by strict implementation of the lockdown,” Mittra added.