Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: Opposition lawmakers in Assam want better protection for migrant workers. They urged the government on Wednesday to start a mandatory registration system and a dedicated helpline. The call comes amid growing reports of worker exploitation and deaths outside state lines.
Chenga MLA Abdur Rahim Ahmed raised the issue during the Assembly Budget Session. He pointed out that the Labour Department has no clear picture of workers living out of state. Ahmed said, "The department had no proper information about the status, struggles and hardships faced by Assamese workers employed outside the state."
Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli admitted the state lacks accurate data. While the government tracks over seven million workers locally, thousands more remain invisible in other states. Teli noted that the Shraddhanjali Scheme has brought home the bodies of 354 deceased workers since 2025.
Ahmed argued this welfare effort falls short of true protection. He cited a gas leak in Tamil Nadu that killed two women and the rescue of seven youths from abusive conditions in Arunachal Pradesh. He proposed that the state force contractors to submit verified records. Teli promised to review these suggestions to boost safety for those working far from home.
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