Parijayee Shramik 2025 West Bengal: Migrant Workers
Migrant workers are individuals who leave their home state, district, or sometimes country to seek temporary employment elsewhere. Unlike permanent settlers, they move away from their familiar environment with the dream of providing for their families and improving their quality of life. Today, especially in urban areas in the fields of construction, agriculture, industry, and services, the contribution of migrant workers is both vast and indispensable.
What is a Migrant Worker?
A migrant worker is defined as someone who leaves their original place of residence for temporary employment in another location. According to the International Labour Organization, there are over 169 million international migrant workers worldwide. In countries like India, the number increases even more because many residents migrate within the country, especially from rural areas to cities or other states, in search of work and opportunities.
Why Do People Become Migrant Workers?
There are several major reasons why individuals become migrant workers:
Lack of adequate job opportunities and fair wages in villages
Natural calamities, agricultural crises, and the impact of climate change
More employment opportunities in big cities
The desire for a better standard of living
Financial responsibility for their families
Sometimes, social insecurity or post-conflict situations compel entire families or individuals to migrate
The Struggles of Migrant Workers
Upon arriving in cities or industrial zones, migrant workers face new challenges each day: from finding affordable accommodation, securing food, adapting to new cultures and languages, to dealing with safety issues. Many fall victim to exploitation by employers or intermediaries, face irregular wages, endure long working hours, and work in hazardous conditions. For women, the risks are even greater—fewer job opportunities and more significant safety concerns.
Contribution to the Economy
Migrant workers serve as a vital link between rural and urban economies, acting as the backbone of sectors such as construction, transport, agriculture, services, and small manufacturing. Their labor powers urbanization and infrastructure projects like metro railways, highways, and housing developments. The remittances they send back support not just their families but also stimulate local economies.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Aftermath
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 revealed the immense hardships faced by migrant workers to the world. With no comprehensive social safety nets, thousands suffered from hunger, loss of shelter, and lack of transportation. Many walked or cycled hundreds of miles to return to their villages, and several lives were lost to accidents and starvation. Although multiple government and non-government relief efforts emerged, these were mostly inadequate. Post-pandemic, the challenges continue—weak labor laws, insufficient healthcare, job insecurity, and limited reach of social security schemes plague migrant workers' futures.
Persistent Challenges
Insufficient and unfair wages
An unregulated labor market and exploitation by intermediaries
Health and housing crises
Social and administrative discrimination
Difficulties accessing official documents like voter cards, ration cards, and national ID, especially as migrants
Barriers to children's education and protecting women workers' rights and dignity
Policies and Government Initiatives
Various government programs and laws have been introduced for migrant protection, such as the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act and West Bengal’s “Shramshree” scheme. Initiatives like financial aid for return journeys, monthly allowances, social security, and health benefits are included for migrant families. However, coverage remains limited, and many workers fall through the cracks.
Protecting migrant workers’ rights and ensuring fair wages, adequate social security, and comprehensive legal support are essential for sustainable economic and social development. Their well-being directly impacts the nation’s growth, social harmony, and the protection of human rights. For the future, a stronger legal framework, transparent databases, and genuinely effective welfare measures are vital for turning this significant chapter of our economy toward progress and security for all.