PM Modi to launch Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan on June 20 for benefit of returnee migrants

According to the Prime Minister’s office, the campaign aims to empower and provide livelihood opportunities to the returnee migrant workers and rural citizens.

In a press conference on June 18, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, “Workers from all over the country, both men and women, after COVID lockdown have returned to their villages in large numbers. Government of India together with the state governments have mapped the districts where these migrant workers have largely returned and it is seen that approximately 116 districts spread over six states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha have received substantial numbers of returnees, which includes 27 Aspirational Districts.”

PM Modi will launch this Abhiyaan at 11 am on June 20 through video-conference.

The Abhiyaan will be launched from Telihar village in Beldaur block of Khagaria district of Bihar.

The Abhiyaan will be a coordinated effort between 12 different ministries/departments, namely, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Road Transport & Highways, Mines, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Environment, Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, New & Renewable Energy, Border Roads, Telecom and Agriculture.

Chief ministers of the six states and Union ministers of concerned ministries will participate in the virtual launch.

Villages across 116 districts in the six states will join this programme through the Common Service Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, maintaining the norms of social distancing in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a release from the prime minister’s office, this campaign of 125 days, which will work in mission mode, will involve intensified and focused implementation of 25 different types of works to provide employment to the migrant workers on one hand and create infrastructure in the rural regions of the country on the other hand, with a resource envelope of Rs. 50,000 crore.

Said Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, President Assocham, “As the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indian economy, perhaps the maximum collateral damage was borne by migrant labour. While reverse migration may have long term consequences for industry and the economy, for the migrant laborer, it has been a life-changing experience. The Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan comes as a truly positive move, and India Inc. stands with the Prime Minister in support of this endeavour.”

Ankush Kaul, President (Sales & Marketing) - Ambience Group, said, “Migrant workforce in the country adds significantly to the growth of urban economy. Its exodus back to the villages and hometowns clearly suggests the vulnerability of the segment in the face of a crisis and disaster. In this light, the Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan is laudable. Real estate sector is one of the many businesses that benefits immensely from their [migrants’] contribution. This will prove to be a big impetus for the sector.”