Interstate migrant workmen in the state of Odisha: Issues, challenges and action plans Sundaray Bijaya Kumar1,*, Reader, Parida Prakash Ranjan2,*, Lecturer 1Department of PM & IR, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 2in Commerce, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha, India (* Corresponding author) email id: *sundaraybijaya@gmail.com,
*paridaprakash79@gmail.com
Abstract In the light of ongoing structural changes in India and consequently changing contours of the rural economy, the nature and pattern of migration has been changing over time. More than 30 million people in India are seasonal migrant workers. Odisha's share is 2.5 million and considered a key state in supply of migrant workers. Inter State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 was promulgated for the purpose of regulation of the service condition of the migrant workers, but in status today, it is an ineffective piece of legislation. In today's scenario, there is an urgent need to revisit the debate on legislation for the welfare of migrant workers. It is a small effort to deliberate and advocate on the issue of migration, its impact, development, policy framework and search for alternatives. Thus, this paper focuses on some key issues related to migrant labour in India especially in Odisha state. It also highlights government initiatives and action plans to meet the challenges relating to migrant workers. Top Keywords Migrant workers, Contract labour, Issues, State action plan, Employment, Regulation, Challenges. Top |