- 25 August, 2026
Daltonganj, Jharkhand, August 25, 2026: As unsafe migration continues to expose workers and families to serious risks, more than 440 people in the Diocese of Daltonganj came together for workshops aimed at making migration safer, informed and dignified. The CCBI Commission for Migrants, in collaboration with the Diocese of Daltonganj and the Claretians Congregation, organised workshops on Safe Migration, Human Trafficking and Bonded Labour on 22 and 23 August.
The first workshop was held on 22 August at the Catholic Ashram, Barikhajuri, where around 100 people participated. Fr. Regi Pymattam CMF inaugurated the programme by urging participants to understand the laws, rights and safeguards available to migrant workers. Sharing the painful experiences of parishioners and villagers, he spoke of young people who have lost their lives under mysterious circumstances at distant workplaces, highlighting the urgent need for responsible and informed migration.
Sr. Rani Punnasseril HCM presented the pastoral initiatives of the CCBI Commission for Migrants and explained the systems being developed in both origin and destination dioceses. She encouraged participants to migrate only after knowing their rights and verifying employment details, employer information and work agreements.
Fr. Siby Eravimangalam CMF cautioned participants against leaving home in search of employment without informing their parish or village leadership. Drawing from his experience of meeting migrants from Jharkhand in Bengaluru, he explained how uninformed migration can expose people to trafficking, bonded labour and exploitation. He urged migrants to identify a genuine employer and employment opportunity before travelling.
Mr. Nirmal Gorana, human rights activist and Coordinator of National Coordinator Eradication of Bonded Labour Campaign Committee - NCCEBL, shared cases of bonded labour from Jharkhand and explained relevant laws, government schemes and rescue mechanisms. He stressed the importance of collective action and community organisation to combat bonded labour and human trafficking.
The testimonies of participants brought the realities of unsafe migration into sharp focus. One participant, Mrs. Mary Lakara (name changed), shared how an agent deceived her, took her to Tamil Nadu and kept her and her family under constant surveillance. They were reportedly denied food for days and later demanded to pay ₹40,000 when they attempted to leave. After borrowing money, she managed to return to Jharkhand. Several others shared similar experiences involving themselves, relatives or neighbours. Inspired by these experiences, the parish decided to register migrants at the point of origin and ensure that those leaving for work are informed and prepared migrants.
The second workshop was held on 23 August at Sadhana Sadan, Pastoral Centre, Chianki, Daltonganj, with around 345 participants, including priests, religious, catechists and lay leaders from various parish associations.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas reflected on the Christian call to accompany migrants with compassion and dignity. Reminding participants that migration is part of the human journey, he emphasised the need to build welcoming communities and care especially for those who are vulnerable. He also urged the faithful to remain vigilant in protecting their constitutional rights, stand united against challenges related to delisting, and strengthen support for tribal communities and migrant families.
Sr. Rani Punnasseril HCM, Fr. Siby Eravimangalam CMF and Mr. Nirmal Gorana addressed the participants on pastoral care for migrants, building welcoming and inclusive parish communities, human trafficking, bonded labour and practical measures for safe migration. Sr. Rani also stressed the importance of registering every Catholic migrant through the Migrants Portal on the Catholic Connect App, keeping proper details of the employer and employment, and taking immediate legal action, including filing an FIR, when necessary.
Participants were also encouraged to observe the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on 27 September, reflecting on the theme proposed by Pope Leo XIV: “Even just one of these children” (Mt 18:10).
Ms. Rosalia Lakra, District Manager, JSLPS, Government of Jharkhand, spoke on safe migration, dignified labour and social security schemes available to migrant workers. Adv. Sr. Sangeeta Nagesia HC presented the legal frameworks and rights available for the protection of migrants in India.
The workshop concluded with a commitment from participants to establish Safe Migration Committees in their respective parishes, in collaboration with parish priests. The initiative will be coordinated by Fr. Maria Louis SJ, Director, Samaj Vikas Sanstha, with the aim of strengthening grassroots support, awareness and protection for migrants.
The workshops reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to ensuring that migration becomes a pathway to dignity, opportunity and development not exploitation, trafficking or bonded labour.
By CCBI Commission for Migrants
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