Addressing Source-Destination Challenges Faced by Assam Migrant Workers

On March 4, 2025, a crucial preparatory planning meeting was held at the Provincial House in Guwahati to address the pressing source-destination challenges faced by Assam migrant workers. The meeting commenced at 5:30 PM and saw the participation of key stakeholders, including Fr. Amalraj, Fr. Bivan Rodriques Mukhim, Vice Provincial, Fr. Ignatius Gari, Fr. Francis Bosco, Sr. Shoba, Sr. Teresa, Mr. Allan Brooks, Mr. Godwin, and Mr. Abhinesh. This gathering aimed to plan for the Assam Source and Destination visit consultations on March 20-21, 2025 in Guwahati and Upper Assam.

The discussions began with the emphasis on to know comprehensive statistics on Assam migrants. This data will be helpful to understand the scale and specifics of migration, which will inform future policies and interventions. The attendees agreed on the importance of involving church members who are directly in charge of national commissions, as their insights and influence could significantly enhance the effectiveness of the initiatives.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to understanding the registration processes, Assam labor laws, and the various schemes and benefits available to internal migrants and informal workers in the state. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring that migrant workers are aware of their rights and can access the support they need. The idea of organizing registration camps for Eshram, labor cards, and health cards in villages was proposed, aiming to make these services more accessible to the migrant population.

The welfare of tea estate workers was another critical topic of discussion. The attendees explored the benefits, laws, and schemes available to tea estate workers, unions, and other related entities. Networking with Salesians, diocesan members, multipurpose directors, migrant secretaries, religious groups, and NGOs was identified as a key strategy to create a robust support network for migrant workers.

To track and support migrant workers effectively, the meeting proposed conducting surveys and creating a portal to monitor their movements and needs. This portal would serve as a centralized database, facilitating better coordination and resource allocation. Additionally, the organization of job fairs (job melas) in Assam and destination states was discussed as a means to provide employment opportunities and reduce the economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers.

Raising awareness about migrant issues was highlighted as a crucial step. Parishes were tasked with collecting data on migrants, which would help in understanding their needs and challenges better. The distribution of ID cards to migrant workers was also proposed to ensure they have a recognized identity and can access various services and benefits.

The meeting also addressed the need to work for the welfare of both intra and interstate migrants of Assam. Special attention was given to the trafficking issues prevalent in tea estates, with a focus on collaborating with Arunachal Pradesh to prevent the trafficking of tea garden girls. The formation of village vigilant committees was suggested as a preventive measure against trafficking. Similar concerns were raised about trafficking in Meghalaya and the Jaintia Hills, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to combat this issue.

The demand for VTC (Autonomous council) for migrant facilitation centers was put forward, highlighting the need for dedicated spaces to support migrant workers. The importance of networking all programs for the cause of migrants was reiterated, ensuring a unified and comprehensive approach to addressing their challenges.

The Assam source and destination migrant workers meeting on March 20-21, 2025, was scheduled to be held at DBI, with financial sponsorship from DB, BRO, and the Provincial House. Core groups for Assam and Upper Assam were established, comprising Sr. Shoba, Mr. Godwin, Fr. Ignatius, and Sr. Teresa for Assam, and Blasius, Sunny, Sr. Shoba, Sr. Teresa, and Mr. Godwin for Upper Assam.

In conclusion, the meeting was a significant step towards advocating for decent and dignified livelihoods for Assam migrants. The attendees were thanked for their participation and commitment to the cause, with a collective resolve to work together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of migrant workers from Assam.