Odisha Government forms high-level task force to tackle distress migration

Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: The state government has established a high-level task force aimed at devising comprehensive solutions to the issue of distress migration within the state. This task force will be chaired by the Deputy Chief Minister for Agriculture, Farmers' Empowerment, and Energy, and will include key figures such as the Deputy Chief Minister for Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti, Tourism, the Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, as well as the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, and various departmental secretaries.

The primary focus of the task force will be to thoroughly examine the challenges faced by migrant workers, propose strategies to prevent distress migration, and identify actionable steps for government agencies to alleviate the hardships experienced by Odisha's migrant laborers.

The task force's secretariat will be based in the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department and will convene at least biannually to assess progress. Additionally, it may invite experts from national and international arenas, as well as academics and representatives from development organizations and UN agencies, to contribute to discussions as necessary.

The task force is tasked with analyzing migration patterns regionally and recommending tailored interventions. It will consider factors such as regional differences, seasonal migration trends, and the overall scale of migration, while also evaluating the current initiatives undertaken by various departments. By scrutinizing existing legal and policy frameworks, the task force aims to enhance the effectiveness of interventions to reduce distress migration.

To address this complex issue, the task force will propose specific measures for various departments, focusing on creating infrastructure and livelihood opportunities within the state. This includes enhancing skill development, ensuring access to credit, and connecting families to anti-poverty programs. Furthermore, it will suggest additional targeted schemes and outline the necessary institutional frameworks at the state, district, and block levels for a holistic and sustainable approach to the problem.

To effectively implement these measures, the task force will explore partnerships with expert agencies, civil society, and technical organizations to improve the efficacy of the proposed interventions. Additionally, it will advocate for necessary coordination with the Government of India and other state governments to secure resources and comprehensively address the challenges faced by migrant workers.