New Delhi: All India Unorganized Workers Congress (AIUWC) wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the plight of migrant workers who are stranded in various states while urging him to set up an Inter-State Migration Council.
In the letter, AIUWC Chairman Arbind Singh termed Ministry of Home Affairs' order for the movement of migrant workers as "delayed decision". It stated: "AIUWC welcomes the decision to send home the standard migrant workers limiting that it has been a very delayed decision costing never heard of miseries and pain, including even some deaths."
It further added, "Roughly, 79% of India's migrants work for daily wages in factories or construction sites. The nationwide lockdown has resulted in tens of thousands of migrants falling out of jobs and making desperate efforts to get back home."
While making various suggestions, AIUWC urged PM to set up Inter-State Migration Council to resolve the issues of migrant workers particularly relating to interstate migration.
Also read: Government allows movement of all goods cargo
Congress' Unorganized Worker's wing also asked PM for ensuring the portability of social security schemes including quick and early implementation of 'One Nation One Ration Card' so that all the unorganised sector workers can have the access to the social security schemes.
While requesting for allowing interest-free loans, AIUWC said, "Since large numbers of unorganised workers are also self-employed, they need to be saved from falling into the hands of money lenders as most have eaten up their working capital and need help to restart their business. The government should launch interest-free loans for them."
The letter also mentioned about relaxation of KYC norms and the need for sector-wise planning for e-commerce companies to help them in this period of COVID-19 crisis.
