The COVID-19 Lockdown has affected the migrant workers most among all. They had to walk and travel kilometres across states to reach their villages and towns. Seeing their plight the Supreme Court has directed the Centre and state governments to ensure that all workers are transported back home within 15 days beginning June 9, 2020.
The apex court also directed that all cases of lockdown violations against migrant workers should be considered for withdrawal by the administration.
A three-judge bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, Sanjay Kishan Kaul, and MR Shah issued the direction. They said that states and union territories should prepare a complete list of migrant workers who have reached their home states. They should also mention the work they were engaged in prior to the lockdown. The states also have to specify schemes for the employment of migrant workers after the lockdown.
The court added that state governments should not charge migrant labourers for their train or bus journeys. The Supreme Court also asked states to arrange for their food and water. Railways have been ordered to provide additional special trains within 24 hours to carry migrant workers back to their home states. It added the states should provide counseling to the migrants wherever required.
The apex court has directed all states to submit affidavits on schemes for migrants and their job creation by July 8 when it will take up the issue next.
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