Q 5(d). भारतीय राज्यों में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्रों में कार्य करने वाले प्रवासी श्रमिकों की प्रमुख समस्याएं क्या हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,10 Marks,150 Words)
Theme:
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers in India
Where in Syllabus:
(Indian Society and Social Issues)
What are the major problems faced by the labour migrants while working in informal sectors of Indian States? Discuss.
Q 5(d). भारतीय राज्यों में अनौपचारिक क्षेत्रों में कार्य करने वाले प्रवासी श्रमिकों की प्रमुख समस्याएं क्या हैं ? विवेचना कीजिए।
(UPSC 2025,10 Marks,150 Words)
Theme:
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers in India
Where in Syllabus:
(Indian Society and Social Issues)
What are the major problems faced by the labour migrants while working in informal sectors of Indian States? Discuss.
प्रस्तावना
Migrant workers in India face numerous challenges, including poor living conditions, lack of social security, and limited access to healthcare. According to the 2011 Census, there are over 139 million internal migrants in India. Amartya Sen highlights the deprivation of basic capabilities as a significant issue for these workers. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their vulnerabilities, with many losing jobs and facing hardships due to inadequate government support and systemic neglect. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy interventions.
Challenges Faced by Migrant Workers in India
● Lack of Job Security:
● Informal sectors often do not provide formal contracts, leaving migrant workers vulnerable to sudden job loss without any legal recourse or severance benefits.
○ Example: In sectors like construction and domestic work, workers can be dismissed without notice.
● Poor Working Conditions:
○ Migrant workers frequently endure unsafe and unhealthy environments, with inadequate safety measures and long working hours.
○ Data: According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), a significant portion of informal workers report working more than 10 hours a day.
● Low Wages and Wage Theft:
● Wages in the informal sector are often below the minimum wage standards, and instances of wage theft are common, where workers are not paid for their labor.
○ Example: In the textile industry, many workers report receiving less than the promised amount.
● Lack of Social Security:
○ Informal workers typically do not have access to social security benefits such as health insurance, pension, or maternity leave.
○ Data: Only about 10% of informal workers have access to any form of social security, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO).
● Exploitation and Abuse:
○ Migrant workers are often subject to exploitation and abuse by employers, including physical abuse, verbal harassment, and discrimination.
○ Example: Reports of abuse are prevalent in sectors like domestic work and agriculture.
● Limited Access to Legal Aid:
○ Due to lack of awareness and resources, migrant workers have limited access to legal aid to address grievances or disputes with employers.
○ Example: Many workers are unaware of their rights under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act.
● Inadequate Housing and Living Conditions:
○ Migrant workers often live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, lacking basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation.
○ Data: A study by the Centre for Policy Research found that a large percentage of migrant workers live in slums or temporary shelters.
● Social Isolation and Lack of Community Support:
○ Being away from their home states, migrant workers face social isolation and lack of community support, which can affect their mental health and well-being.
○ Example: Language barriers and cultural differences can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
● Limited Access to Education and Skill Development:
○ Migrant workers often have limited opportunities for education and skill development, hindering their ability to improve their employment prospects.
○ Data: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reports that a significant portion of informal workers lack formal education or vocational training.
● Health Risks and Lack of Healthcare Access:
○ Due to poor working and living conditions, migrant workers face heightened health risks and often lack access to affordable healthcare services.
○ Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many migrant workers struggled to access healthcare facilities.
● Informal sectors often do not provide formal contracts, leaving migrant workers vulnerable to sudden job loss without any legal recourse or severance benefits.
○ Example: In sectors like construction and domestic work, workers can be dismissed without notice.
● Poor Working Conditions:
○ Migrant workers frequently endure unsafe and unhealthy environments, with inadequate safety measures and long working hours.
○ Data: According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), a significant portion of informal workers report working more than 10 hours a day.
● Low Wages and Wage Theft:
● Wages in the informal sector are often below the minimum wage standards, and instances of wage theft are common, where workers are not paid for their labor.
○ Example: In the textile industry, many workers report receiving less than the promised amount.
● Lack of Social Security:
○ Informal workers typically do not have access to social security benefits such as health insurance, pension, or maternity leave.
○ Data: Only about 10% of informal workers have access to any form of social security, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO).
● Exploitation and Abuse:
○ Migrant workers are often subject to exploitation and abuse by employers, including physical abuse, verbal harassment, and discrimination.
○ Example: Reports of abuse are prevalent in sectors like domestic work and agriculture.
● Limited Access to Legal Aid:
○ Due to lack of awareness and resources, migrant workers have limited access to legal aid to address grievances or disputes with employers.
○ Example: Many workers are unaware of their rights under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act.
● Inadequate Housing and Living Conditions:
○ Migrant workers often live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, lacking basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation.
○ Data: A study by the Centre for Policy Research found that a large percentage of migrant workers live in slums or temporary shelters.
● Social Isolation and Lack of Community Support:
○ Being away from their home states, migrant workers face social isolation and lack of community support, which can affect their mental health and well-being.
○ Example: Language barriers and cultural differences can exacerbate feelings of isolation.
● Limited Access to Education and Skill Development:
○ Migrant workers often have limited opportunities for education and skill development, hindering their ability to improve their employment prospects.
○ Data: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) reports that a significant portion of informal workers lack formal education or vocational training.
● Health Risks and Lack of Healthcare Access:
○ Due to poor working and living conditions, migrant workers face heightened health risks and often lack access to affordable healthcare services.
○ Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many migrant workers struggled to access healthcare facilities.
निष्कर्ष
Migrant workers in India face challenges like inadequate housing, lack of social security, and limited access to healthcare. Amartya Sen highlights the need for inclusive policies to address these issues. According to the 2011 Census, over 139 million internal migrants exist, yet many remain marginalized. A way forward involves implementing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) effectively to ensure job security and improve living conditions. Prioritizing education and skill development can empower migrants, fostering economic growth and social integration.