What is Migrant Labour?

Migrant labour refers to workers who move from their place of residence to other regions or countries in search of work, typically due to better job opportunities or economic necessity. Migrant workers often engage in low-paying, manual, or unskilled jobs in sectors such as construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and domestic work. For example, many workers from rural India migrate to urban centers like Mumbai or Delhi for jobs in factories or construction sites.

Migrant labourers are often from poorer communities and are vulnerable to exploitation due to lack of job security, limited legal protections, and poor living conditions. Women migrant workers face additional challenges, including gender-based discrimination, harassment, and lack of access to healthcare and social support systems.

Welfare Programs for Migrant Women Workers

1. Legal and Social Security Provisions

• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, ensures that female workers, including migrant women, receive paid maternity leave. However, enforcement remains a challenge in informal sectors where many migrant women work.
• The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 provides a framework to extend health, insurance, and pension benefits to unorganized sector workers, which includes migrant women working in construction or domestic work.

2. Skill Development and Employment Schemes

• Programs like National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) aim to equip migrant women with skills in areas such as tailoring, beauty services, and electronics. These initiatives help women secure better jobs and reduce their dependency on informal work.

3. Awareness Campaigns and Protection Services

• Some states run awareness programs to educate migrant women about their legal rights, including protection against exploitation and sexual harassment at workplaces. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has set up mechanisms like Labour Welfare Fund to support migrant workers with financial aid, housing, and medical services.

4. Safe Housing and Healthcare

• Migrant women workers often live in crowded, unhygienic conditions. Programs run by NGOs and government initiatives like Arogya Raksha Yojana aim to improve access to healthcare services, ensuring migrant women receive necessary medical attention and prenatal care.

Conclusion

Migrant labour, particularly women, faces unique challenges, including exploitation, discrimination, and inadequate welfare support. Although there are several government and NGO-led initiatives to improve their welfare, such as legal protections, healthcare, and skill development programs, the enforcement of these schemes remains a significant hurdle. A holistic approach involving better enforcement, awareness, and accessible services is crucial to improving the lives of migrant women workers.