Bhubaneswar: The perennial issue of distress migration from Odisha is once again in the spotlight as “Dadan Sardars,” or labor contractors, are reportedly giving out large cash advances of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh to laborers to secure their work for up to six months in neighboring states.
This system is drawing thousands of daily wage earners, primarily from the poverty-stricken districts of western and southern Odisha, who are seeking better wages and stable employment.
The advance money acts as a lifeline for many families struggling with poverty, debt, and a lack of local job opportunities, especially after the Kharif crop season.
However, this seemingly beneficial arrangement often conceals a dark reality of exploitation and bonded labor, with workers frequently facing inhumane working conditions and being cheated out of their promised wages.
In response to the persistent problem, the newly formed Odisha government has announced a multi-pronged strategy to combat distress migration and crack down on the exploitative “Dadan Sardars.”
A high-level task force, led by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, has been formed to address the root causes of the migration, said Odisha Labour Commissioner, Shri Indramani Tripathy.
The task force has outlined several key initiatives, including:
- Creating Local Livelihood Opportunities: The government plans to leverage existing schemes like MGNREGS and the ‘Mukhya Mantri Janjati Jeevika Mission’ to provide local employment. The goal is to ensure 200-300 days of work annually in migration-prone districts to match the income earned by migrating.
- Saturation Drive for Welfare Schemes: A “saturation drive” is being conducted to ensure 100% coverage of all eligible households in vulnerable districts under various welfare schemes, including farmer assistance, goat rearing, and plantation programs.
- Cracking Down on Contractors: A dedicated committee will be formed to work in a “mission-mode” to crack down on labor contractors who engage in exploitative practices. This committee will coordinate with police, railway officers, and district administrations to track and rescue workers.
- Raising Awareness: A Mobile Migrant Resource Centre has been launched to educate potential migrants on the risks of the system and make them aware of local job opportunities and government helpline numbers.
- Enhancing Skills: The government will also provide skill enhancement training to equip workers with tools for sustainable livelihoods within the state.
While the government’s efforts are seen as a positive step, experts caution that the problem is complex. The official number of licensed migrants is a fraction of the actual figure, as many workers leave without any formal registration.
Cases of bonded labor and even deaths of laborers in other states continue to be reported, highlighting the need for robust implementation of existing laws and cross-state collaboration.
The state government is now seeking reports from district collectors on the progress made in providing rehabilitation aid to rescued bonded laborers, following a directive from the Supreme Court.
The focus remains on creating a “migration-free” model, with districts like Nuapada being targeted for a pilot project, said Shri Indramani Tripathy, Commissioner of Labour, Odisha.