About 10,000 migrant workers from Dhanbad in Jharkhand were caught in a hapless situation in Karnataka when the State Government cancelled three trains that were to carry them back to their native places on Wednesday. The Karnataka Government decided to stop them from going back after a meeting between Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa and property builders a day before.
The logic of “reviving economy” in the State seemed to have prevailed over the BJP Government in cancelling the special trains, which was strongly criticised by the Opposition Congress. The State Government was holding workers as “captive” and treating them like “bonded labourers”, alleged the Congress.
The All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU) termed the move a violation of the fundamental right of the freedom of movement and one that promoted forced labour. AICCTU has moved the Karnataka High Court seeking relief to migrant workers who are left stranded after the Karnataka Government’s sudden move.
The plea states the stand of the State Government is in violation of the fundamental rights of the workers protected under Articles 19 (1)(d) and Article 14 of the Constitution of India.
The petition relying on news reports states that stranded migrant workers across the State have expressed their desire to return home. Further, on May 5 members of the Union visited the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre and spoke to several of the workers. The workers expressed that they wished to return to their home States and had walked over 50 km to arrive here.
Yediyurappa had stated after his meeting with the builders on Tuesday that pandemic was in control and travel by workers was unnecessary as construction and industrial activities have restarted in the state.
Nodal officer for Karnataka in-charge of migrants’ movement wrote to the railways on Tuesday asking for the trains scheduled for Wednesday to be cancelled.
The State Government had requested for two trains each day for five days starting May 2 except on May 6 when three trains were arranged for 9am, 12 noon and 3pm for going to Dhanbad. All three have been cancelled.
The Karnataka Government’s view is that since the labourers have come to Bangalore for work and the economic activities have already started, it would not serve workers purpose if they go back to their native places.
“We have sent around one lakh people in 3,500 buses and trains back to their home towns. I have also appealed to migrant workers to stay as the construction work has resumed now, “Yeddyurappa told reporters on Wednesday.
The State has also announced an extra Rs 3,000 for construction workers -- in addition to the Rs 2,000 they received earlier -- while announcing a Rs 1,600 crore relief package today for groups worst hit by the lockdown. The government said the money is for “registered” construction workers - which would also include locals.
Karnataka has more than two lakh migrant labourers from different parts of the country and from Bangladesh and Nepal. More than 80,000 of them are from Orissa and about 70,000 are from Bihar, according to labour department’s records taken during the pandemic.
Reacting to the cancellation of trains, former State Chief Minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah said, “ The decision to go back or to stay back should be with the labourers and not with the Government. Labourers are free to choose health or work. Who will take responsibility if something goes wrong? Are we still practicing bonded labour?”