Bihar Government to Cover Return of Migrant Workers’ Bodies: Deputy CM Chaudhary Confirms Policy Review
Bihar Government Reviews Policy on Migrant Worker Repatriation
The Bihar government is set to review its policy on bringing back the bodies of migrant workers to their home state. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced that the government will consider expanding the provision to include natural deaths, not just accidents. This significant shift aims to support families of deceased migrant workers.
Assembly Debate Sparks Policy Change Consideration
The discussion arose in the assembly on Wednesday. AIMIM MLA Akhtarul Iman raised the issue, highlighting the current policy’s limitations. He explained that the state government covers the cost of transporting bodies only if a migrant worker dies in an accident. This leaves families struggling when deaths occur naturally.
Current Policy and Financial Allocations
Sanjay Singh Tiger, Minister for Labour Resources and Migrant Worker Welfare, confirmed the existing policy. He stated that funds are allocated for transporting bodies of migrant workers who die in accidents, both within India and overseas. This financial year, over 2.5 lakh rupees have been spent under this scheme. However, the minister acknowledged that the policy does not cover natural deaths.
Economic Contribution and Family Hardship
Iman emphasized the plight of poor workers from Bihar who seek employment in other states and countries. He argued that when these individuals die naturally, their families face immense difficulty and financial burden in bringing their bodies back. These workers are vital contributors to Bihar’s economy, making their repatriation a matter of concern.
Support from Opposition Parties
Several Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLAs also voiced their support for Iman’s demand. They echoed the sentiment that the government should extend its support to all families of deceased migrant workers, regardless of the cause of death. The collective pressure from the assembly has prompted the government to consider a policy revision.
