Inter-State Movement not Allowed for Migrant Labourers Stranded amid Lockdown, Says Centre

New Delhi, April 19, 2020:

The Government of India has declared that the migrant labourers who are stranded in other parts of the country amid the lockdown shall not be permitted to move to their respective states amid a complete ban on inter-state travel in the country. "It may be noted that there shall be no movement of labour outside the state/UT from where they are currently located" the Government advisory read.

In a note issued by the Union Home Ministry, it was further informed that the migrant labourers must register with local authorities to "find out their suitability for various kinds of work". "The migrant labourers currently residing in relief/shelter camps should be registered with the concerned local authority and their skill mapping be carried out to find out their suitability for various kinds of work", the note said.

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"Since additional new activities, outside the containment zones, have been permitted in the consolidated revised guidelines with effect from 20th April 20, these workers could be engaged in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works", the Ministry has said.

It may be recalled that in a note that it had issued last week, the Ministry had said that it would allow some construction activities and industrial operations in rural areas from April 20. Offices of Government of India and offices of states and union territories, private vehicles for emergency services, e-commerce companies selling essential goods; courier services, MNREGA works and financial sector will also be allowed to function.

The Ministry has further declared that those who wish to go back to their work must first be screened for the coronavirus. They will only be allowed to return to their places of work if they do not show any symptoms.

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