Caritas India joined the celebration of the International Labour Day at Raja Ram Mohan Roy Memorial New Delhi on 2nd May 2022 to mark the event with her three partners Nirmana, Prachodana and Chetanalaya under the Pravasi Bandhu programme.

Throughout its existence, Caritas India has strived to uphold the shared values of human dignity and impart the same to the public. This programme intended to iterate and cherish the same values by inviting attention to the state of migrant workers and hearing their pleas. 

The dignitaries present during the event included Advocate Vikram Srivastava, Founder of Independent Thought, Mr. Ramender Kumar, member of the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) Board, Fr. (Dr.) Jolly Puthenpura, Asst. Executive Director of Caritas India and Prof. Ravinder Ram Assistant professor, Department of Economics, Satyawati College, University of Delhi. More than 150 migrant workers working as domestic workers, daily wage workers and from construction sites came together to participate in the celebration of Labour Day. 

Fr. Jolly felicitated all the dignitaries present and delivered his opening remarks, by addressing the hall full of workers. He underscored the importance of minimum wage which is still a distant dream for most migrant workers. He also talked about the various forms of exploitation that takes place in the workplace. Fr. Jolly pointed out the lack of awareness regarding various laws and schemes meant to benefit migrant workers that they are unable to access due to various reasons. He emphasised that awareness of the rights of migrant workers is crucial in building a positive and healthy culture. 

Prof. Ravinder Ram discussed the myriad sorts of discrimination that are particularly faced by migrant workers coming to a different region to earn their livelihood. In his address, Professor stated various stats and figures from government sources, highlighting the systematic disenfranchisement of migrant workers. The other notable issues pointed out by Prof. Ravinder included rampant unemployment, deprivation of minimum wage and the inability to register for various social security schemes such as widow, old-age pensions, etc. He added that the situation of workers is even worse in the unorganised sector, where there is no provision for fixed wages and workers are forced to work in difficult conditions. Prof. contended that in order to come out of these miseries the workers must unite and demand the right of the employer.

Mr Vikram Srivastava spoke about the causes of becoming a migrant worker and what strategy we should adopt so that our children do not fall into the vicious cycle of poverty. He shared his tumultuous experiences of visiting some residential spaces of migrants and observing how they live to earn a living. He insisted migrant workers think and act so that their future generations do not fall into the trap. He asked everyone to be united for policy-level changes to take place. 

Mr. Ramender Kumar delivered a prolific speech on the basic entitlement of migrant workers such as inordinate working hours of work in a day. He contended to recognise the work of migrants and their contribution to the Indian economy let alone grant them their dues. He also spoke about the importance of celebrating international labour day and asserted that respect must be given to all types of work.

The programme also provided a platform for the migrant workers that are active in their community to speak up about their issues and day to day concerns.

In this regard Ms. Reena, Ms. Rani passionately spoke about the issues they face in their respective workplace and how their engagement with the organisations has positively impacted their lives. The session was concluded by Mr. Himanshu from Chetnalaya and Sr. Shelly from Prachodana on the imperative note that all sorts of works are deserving of equal dignity and respect. Caritas India thanked all the speakers and migrants for their presence and participation to grace this important event. Caritas believes that such events will foster unity and help in building a community where human dignity and respect are held supreme.

A similar programme was organised on 5th May 2022 at Gullu, Arang, in the Raipur district of Chhattisgarh under Caritas India’s Rebuilding Lives of Migrant Workers programme. The major theme of the program was “Safe Migration, Safe Life” (सुरक्षित पलायन, सुरक्षित जीवन). The flex installed at the place displayed migrant helpline numbers and various government schemes active around the programme premises.

The programme was inaugurated by the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest Mr. Keshar Mohan Sahu, the elected member of the district panchayat followed by the welcoming of the guests. Mrs Tara, Chief of the Village, and the PRI body were also present at the event along with the community including migrant labourers. A brief introduction about the project and the organisation was given by Mr. Pahel Das Mongre, programme associate migration.

Of the most noteworthy moment of the programme was the speech of the elected chief of the village Mrs. Tara Didhi (Sarpanch). Belonging to a society where women are discouraged to be vocal, this meant a lot to Mrs. Tara given that this was her first public address. In her speech, she vehemently encouraged migrant labours and community people to link up with various government schemes to avail benefits meant for their growth and development. She also appealed for safe migration for a safe life.

The flex and banner displayed at the event also played a crucial role in generating awareness and sensitizing the community on various government schemes. It highlighted the five important points for one to consider prior to opting for migration.

Altogether this event was to encourage people to think and assess diligently before considering migrating to a different place for work.

The local Panchayat body took the decision to bring awareness to Safe Migration by associating with Caritas India staff through pamphlets, and posters, and placing the flex and banner on panchayat house walls along with the migrant helpline number. Mr. Keshri Mohan Sahu also appreciated the initiative and committed to supporting Caritas India’s efforts for the upliftment of the poor and the marginalised. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and a group photo session.