Roadmap for Answer Writing
- Introduction
- Briefly define migrant workers and highlight their significance in the Indian economy.
- State the importance of addressing their challenges for inclusive growth.
- Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
- Lack of Social Security and Legal Protections
- Discuss the informal nature of employment and lack of access to formal social security systems.
- Exploitation and Wage Discrimination
- Explain issues like wage theft and longer working hours.
- Poor Living Conditions
- Mention overcrowding and inadequate sanitation in urban areas.
- Documentation Issues
- Discuss challenges in accessing benefits due to non-portability of documents.
- Gender-Specific Challenges
- Address vulnerabilities faced by female migrant workers, including harassment and low wages.
- Social Alienation
- Highlight xenophobia and discrimination experienced by migrants.
- Lack of Social Security and Legal Protections
- Measures to Enhance Welfare
- Portable Social Security Systems
- Propose a nationwide system for social security benefits that can be accessed across states.
- Formalization of Employment
- Suggest initiatives for formal contracts and skill certification.
- Affordable Housing Initiatives
- Recommend developing affordable housing options integrated with urban policies.
- Digital Access to Entitlements
- Advocate for mobile applications to access welfare services.
- Gender-Sensitive Policies
- Propose measures specifically addressing the needs of female migrants.
- State Collaboration
- Emphasize the need for harmonizing policies across states.
- Portable Social Security Systems
- Conclusion
- Reiterate the importance of addressing these challenges for India’s economic resilience and inclusive growth.
- Suggest that a comprehensive national migrant policy is essential.
For more details on the topic, read this current affairs article.
Migrant workers in India face significant challenges related to social security benefits and working conditions. These workers often lack access to welfare schemes, are excluded from social security protections, and experience inadequate wages, unsafe working environments, and limited job security. Furthermore, the absence of reliable identification and documentation complicates their access to government services.
To enhance migrant workers’ welfare and align with India’s inclusive growth goals, measures like universal social security schemes, improved registration processes for informal workers, and stronger enforcement of labor rights are essential. Additionally, creating worker-centric policies, ensuring adequate living conditions, and improving transportation and health facilities can provide greater protection and opportunities for these workers.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers in India
Measures to Enhance Welfare
In India’s journey towards inclusive growth, focusing on these areas will promote equitable conditions for all workers.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
Measures for Welfare
Conclusion
Targeted reforms will bridge gaps in social security and improve inclusivity, key to India’s growth aspirations.
Model Answer
Introduction
Migrant workers are crucial to India’s economic framework, contributing significantly to various sectors. However, the challenges they face, particularly regarding access to social security benefits and equitable working conditions, must be addressed to achieve inclusive growth.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers
One of the primary challenges is the lack of social security and legal protections. Approximately 90% of the workforce is informal, leaving migrants without access to essential services like health insurance or maternity leave. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, which aims to protect these workers, is poorly enforced.
Exploitation and wage discrimination are rampant, as many migrant workers experience wage theft and are often underpaid compared to local counterparts. A survey revealed that 64% of migrant workers did not receive their full wages during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Living conditions are also dire, with many migrants residing in overcrowded spaces lacking basic sanitation. The slum population in India is estimated at 236 million, indicating that a significant portion of urban migrants live in inadequate conditions.
Documentation issues further complicate access to welfare schemes. The One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, while intended to ensure food security, has limited reach due to the non-portability of documents. Additionally, female migrant workers face unique challenges, including sexual harassment and lower wages in informal jobs.
Lastly, migrants often encounter social alienation and discrimination, which exacerbate their marginalization. During the pandemic, many were labeled as “virus carriers,” leading to further stigmatization.
Measures to Enhance Welfare
To address these issues, India needs to implement portable social security systems that allow migrants to access benefits across state lines. This could be achieved by integrating the ONORC scheme with health insurance programs like PMJAY.
Encouraging the formalization of employment through contracts and skill certification will ensure fair wages and legal protections. Additionally, developing affordable housing options under initiatives like the Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) can significantly improve living conditions.
Digital access to entitlements via mobile applications would streamline access to welfare services and enhance their reach. Furthermore, implementing gender-sensitive policies tailored to female migrants will address their specific needs, ensuring safer and more equitable working environments.
Collaboration among states is crucial for harmonizing labor policies and ensuring migrant rights. The proposed National Migrant Policy could provide a comprehensive framework for this integration.
Conclusion
Addressing the challenges faced by migrant workers is vital for fostering economic resilience and achieving inclusive growth in India. By implementing a comprehensive national migrant policy and enhancing existing frameworks like the e-Shram portal, the country can ensure equitable opportunities and dignity for this essential workforce.