Civil Society Consultation Aims to Make Rajahmahendravaram a Migrant-Friendly City

Andhra Pradesh, January 11, 2025: A civil society consultation, titled 'A Preliminary Conversation to Make Rajahmahendravaram a Migrant-Friendly City,' was held at Ekalavya Children's Home, Rajahmundry, with the presence of Father Francis Bosco, Director of the South Asia Migrant's Network of Don Bosco Institutes, New Delhi. Organized by Para and Women and Child-Friendly Rajahmundry and DB4M, the event gathered representatives from voluntary organizations, businesses, and government officials from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to address the challenges faced by migrant workers and advocate for their welfare. 

Addressing the participants, Father Francis Bosco highlighted the hardships faced by millions of migrant workers across India, who often relocate to ten major states in search of employment. He emphasized the role of voluntary organizations in advocating for policy changes and cited Odisha's MoUs with other states as a model for ensuring the safety and welfare of migrant workers. He urged the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments to implement similar protective frameworks, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and food security for migrant families. 

Discussions at the event focused on launching awareness programs for migrant workers and introducing practical measures such as displaying helpline numbers at transport hubs and facilitating online eShram card registrations. Child Welfare Committee (CWC) representative Ms. Prabhavati pledged to prioritize the welfare of migrant workers’ children, while Assistant Labour Officer Mr. Prakash outlined ongoing government efforts, including collaborations with brick kiln operators. 

Thomas Pallithanam, Director of People's Action for Rural Awakening, called for collective action among stakeholders, promising to engage directly with state authorities to present demands. Representatives like former Chamber of Commerce President Mr. D. Satyam Babu and former RUDA Chairperson Ms. Sharmila Reddy assured attendees of their commitment to advocating for migrant workers’ rights. 

Organizations such as Navajeevan from Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Warangal pledged to replicate similar efforts in their cities. The consultation concluded with a call for unified efforts to address systemic challenges and secure better futures for migrant workers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.