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Ensuring dignified repatriation & advocacy for migrant workers
OdishaRay
Bhubaneswar(18/03/2025): Gram Vikas, in partnership with the Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID), is committed to ensuring the dignified repatriation of deceased migrant workers, easing financial burdens on families, and advocating for safe migration, social security, and workers' rights across Odisha and Kerala. Recently, Gram Vikas facilitated the repatriation of 39-year-old migrant worker Dilip Kumar Jena, from Nayapatna village, Khorda district, Odisha.Dilip, a daily wage laborer in Kerala, was found deceased at a railway station in Trivandrum.With his family unable to afford the cost of transporting his remains home, the Assistant Labour Officer of Khorda sought assistance from Gram Vikas.Through its partnership with CMID, Gram Vikas coordinated efforts, securing authorisation from Dilip’s family for CMID to receive the body and initiate the repatriation process.On November 15, 2024, Dilip’s body was transported back to his village, with the District Labour Office (DLO), Khorda, covering Rs 30,000 cost. Migrant workers from Odisha seek employment in Kerala and other southern states due to higher wages and better working conditions.However, they often endure precarious living and labor conditions, making them vulnerable to accidents, illnesses, and even untimely deaths.When tragedy strikes, bereaved families face not only emotional distress but also financial and legal hurdles in repatriating their loved ones and securing social security benefits. Since 2019, Gram Vikas and CMID have been working under a corridor approach to migration, ensuring workers' rights and safety.In 2024 alone, the partnership has supported 35 cases of deceased migrant workers, raising over Rs 11 lakhs through employer contributions, government support, and crowdfunding. Another case involved Tiki Naik, a 40-year-old construction worker from Tuludi village, Ganjam district, who passed away while working in Tamil Nadu on November 17, 2024.As the sole breadwinner, he left behind his pregnant wife, Sunita, and their young daughter.Gram Vikas, alongside the DLO Berhampur and Tiki’s employer, arranged transportation of his body from Chennai to Berhampur and then by ambulance to his village.The Rs 32,000 expense was shared between the employer (Rs 25,000) and the DLO (Rs 7,000).Additionally, Gram Vikas facilitated Sunita’s access to social security schemes, including widow pension and food security benefits. Many migrant workers lack labour cards or insurance coverage, depriving their families of vital support.Gram Vikas is actively working with district labour commissions to raise awareness about safe migration practices and social security entitlements, ensuring that no family is left helpless in their time of need.