As Surat migrants protest, demand to resume MSMEs. Reason? 'Zero Covid-19 case'

Surat migrants' protest

Counterview Desk
Several civil rights and workers’ organizations have made a representation to Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and chief secretary Anil Mukim on urgent need for exit strategy, especially for migrant workers of Surat, even as hundreds of them have been reportedly protesting, demanding safe passage to their homes.
Home to about 15 lakh migrant labourers, belonging to several states, most notably Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, the city has been witnessing the expressions of restive migrant labourers for some time now, and with the extension of lockdown, things have become particularly become precarious for them.
While the officials claim that they have been feeding around six lakh people per day, with NGOs helping them out by distributing food packets and community kitchens, and arrangements for their shelter have been made, migrants have little faith in the administration, say reports.

Text:

We as concerned individuals/ organisations/ NGOs associated with labourers, poor and marginalised, and civil rights groups engaged with providing relief to the needy, seek your attention towards the following suggestions as part of the exit strategy out of the present challenging situation.
The world is going through the dire times fighting against the deadly Covid-19 virus. The timely decision by the Central Government and the subsequent steps taken in conjunction with the states has ensured to arrest the spread of the deadly virus in our country. Taking stock of the situation and need of the hour the Central Government has announced extension of the lockdown till May 3.
The present health emergency has also resulted in Humanitarian distress. Our economy which was already ailing is also facing a blow from the present situation. We appreciate the efforts put in by the state government, administration, health workers, police department, sanitation workers and the civil society. The cumulative efforts have ensured that we address the issue at various fronts. The state of Gujarat has successfully been able to contain the spread of Covid-19 and ensure health and safety of the citizens.
As the government plans to prepare for the exit strategy from the current situation we would like to put some specific suggestions regarding the humanitarian issues involved with the Working and the marginalised class:

Surat district has about more than 15 lakh migrant workers from states like Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, etc. The areas with sizeable migrant population in Surat are safe from the spread of the deadly virus. We have successfully passed about 25 days without any reported cases in the area (14 days incubation period for the virus).
The workers are engaged in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). MSMEs form the economic backbone of the state of Gujarat. The Gujarat government should prioritise opening and functioning of this industries immediately with adequate precautions as prescribed by Health Department. Hence the large population associated with the textile, diamond and other industries can get engaged and employed. This will also help the entrepreneurs.
The needy migrant workers be provided atleast 10 days of ration per person in one tranche immediately (rice, wheat, dal, oil, etc.). This will ensure that they have enough to feed themselves for next 10 days.
A single point functional helpline or WhatsApp number be provided for people to register themselves for the Ration. Announcements regarding this be made in Hindi too. Anyone registering here be responded maximum within next two days with provisions.
Labour unions, NGOs and civil society organisations can be engaged in ensuring smooth implementation and observation of registration and distribution of the provisions.
The government can arrange for transportation after proper screening of people who wish to return to their natives, since there are almost zero cases in the migrant areas. We are yet unable to cover all the population under testing, this can be safely considered. Since the administration and security personnel are engaged in ensuring law and order situation, this will also ensure that their services can be utilised in other areas, at a time when the state is already stressed of human resources.

We hope the state government will positively consider the above important suggestions. This can be replicated in other districts also.
---
*Click HERE for signatories

Comments

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor* Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Aurangzeb’s last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy Aurangzeb’s grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." Aurangzeb’s last will was re...

PUCL files complaint with SC against Gujarat police, municipal authorities for 'unlawful' demolitions, custodial 'violence'

By A Representative The People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Justice of India, urging the Supreme Court to initiate suo-moto contempt proceedings against the police and municipal authorities in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The complaint alleges that these officials have engaged in unlawful demolitions and custodial violence, in direct violation of a Supreme Court order issued in November 2024.

How the slogan Jai Bhim gained momentum as movement of popularity and revolution

By Dr Kapilendra Das* India is an incomprehensible plural country loaded with diversities of religions, castes, cultures, languages, dialects, tribes, societies, costumes, etc. The Indians have good manners/etiquette (decent social conduct, gesture, courtesy, politeness) that build healthy relationships and take them ahead to life. In many parts of India, in many situations, and on formal occasions, it is common for people of India to express and exchange respect, greetings, and salutation for which we people usually use words and phrases like- Namaskar, Namaste, Pranam, Ram Ram, Jai Ram ji, Jai Sriram, Good morning, shubha sakal, Radhe Radhe, Jai Bajarangabali, Jai Gopal, Jai Jai, Supravat, Good night, Shuvaratri, Jai Bhole, Salaam walekam, Walekam salaam, Radhaswami, Namo Buddhaya, Jai Bhim, Hello, and so on. A soft attitude always creates strong relationships. A relationship should not depend only on spoken words. They should rely on understanding the unspoken feeling too. So w...

राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी: जल जीवन मिशन के लक्ष्य को पाने समन्वित प्रयास जरूरी

- राज कुमार सिन्हा* जल संसाधन से जुड़ी स्थायी समिति ने वर्तमान लोकसभा सत्र में पेश रिपोर्ट में बताया है कि "नल से जल" मिशन में राजस्थान, मध्यप्रदेश, पश्चिम बंगाल, झारखंड और केरल फिसड्डी साबित हुए हैं। जबकि देश के 11 राज्यों में शत-प्रतिशत ग्रामीणों को नल से जल आपूर्ति शुरू कर दी गई है। रिपोर्ट में समिति ने केंद्र सरकार को सिफारिश की है कि मिशन पुरा करने में राज्य सरकारों की समस्याओं पर गौर किया जाए।

Incarcerated for 2,424 days, Sudhir Dhawale combines Ambedkarism with Marxism

By Harsh Thakor One of those who faced incarceration both under Congress and BJP rule, Sudhir Dhawale was arrested on June 6, 2018, one of the first six among the 16 people held in what became known as the Elgar Parishad case. After spending 2,424 days in incarceration, he became the ninth to be released from jail—alongside Rona Wilson, who walked free with him on January 24. The Bombay High Court granted them bail, citing the prolonged imprisonment without trial as a key factor. I will always remember the moments we spent together in Mumbai between 1998 and 2006, during public meetings and protests across a wide range of issues. Sudhir was unwavering in his commitment to Maoism, upholding the torch of B.R. Ambedkar, and resisting Brahmanical fascism. He sought to bridge the philosophies of Marxism and Ambedkarism. With boundless energy, he waved the banner of liberation, becoming the backbone of the revolutionary democratic centre in Mumbai and Maharashtra. He dedicated himself ...

State Human Rights Commission directs authorities to uphold environmental rights in Vadodara's Vishwamitri River Project

By A Representative The Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) has ordered state and Vadodara municipal authorities to strictly comply with environmental and human rights safeguards during the Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project, stressing that the river’s degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and violates citizens’ rights to a healthy environment. The Commission mandated an immediate halt to ecologically destructive practices, rehabilitation of affected communities, transparent adherence to National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders, and public consultations with experts and residents. The order follows the Concerned Citizens of Vadodara coalition—environmentalists, ecologists, and urban planners—submitting a detailed letter to authorities, amplifying calls for accountability. The group warned that current plans to “re-section” and “desilt” the river contradict the NGT’s 2021 Vishwamitri River Action Plan, which prioritizes floodpla...

CPM’s evaluation of BJP reflects its political character and its reluctance to take on battle against neo-fascism

By Harsh Thakor* A controversial debate has emerged in the revolutionary camp regarding the Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s categorization of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Many Communists criticize the CPM’s reluctance to label the BJP as a fascist party and India as a fascist state. Various factors must be considered to arrive at an accurate assessment. Understanding the original meaning and historical development of fascism is essential, as well as analyzing how it manifests in the present global and national context.

Implications of deaths of Maoist leaders G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya in Chhattisgarh

By Harsh Thakor* In the wake of recent security operations in southern Chhattisgarh, two senior Maoist leaders, G. Renuka and Ankeshwarapu Sarayya, were killed. These operations, which took place amidst a historically significant Maoist presence, resulted in the deaths of 31 individuals on March 20th and 16 more three days prior.

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

Search This Blog