The Karnataka government on Thursday decided to resume train services to ferry migrant labourers to their home states after receiving flak over suspending the trains to other states amid the lockdown.
The government has written to several states seeking their consent to operate trains from May 8 to May 15 for the movement of stranded migrant labourers, tourists, students, pilgrims and others.
Govt of Karnataka has written to Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal and Rajasthan Governments seeking their consent to operate trains to their states from 8 to 15 May for transportation of people stranded in Karnataka. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/9IugwcFdZH
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2020
Earlier, migrants were requested to refrain from going home and to resume construction work in Karnataka after state CM held a meeting with prominent builders of the state. The industry leaders had urged the CM to convince the workers to stay back, or the state would face a massive shortage in labour force.
Following the meeting, CM said that the coronavirus situation in the state is in control and business, construction and industrial activities need to restart. The CM also assured that all workers will be provided with proper living and working conditions.
Following the CM’s order, several stranded migrant workers were shaken and decided to go their home states on foot.
People taking to the roads outside Bengaluru to walk back to UP! That’s what they have been reduced to. Video shot by @krishnabgowda . Horrific. pic.twitter.com/Dt2ybS3rUK
— Nistula Hebbar (@nistula) May 6, 2020
The opposition had also hit out at the BJP government, accusing them of practicing ‘bonded labour’ and ‘violating fundamental rights’.
The decision to go back or to stay back should be with the labourers & not with the government. Labourers are free to choose health or work. Who will take responsibility if something goes wrong?Are we still practicing bonded labour?For me #MigrantLivesMatter!!3/4
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 6, 2020
The opposition said that the decision to go home or stay back in the state should be made by the workers and not the government.
‘Even after the sunset and as rains poured down, they were determined to walk home as they told me how disconnected they felt from their families with no salary and food,’ said Byatarayanapura MLA, Krishna Byre Gowda.
Gowda also said that the opposition supported the government’s attempts to revive the economy. ‘However, holding them (migrant workers) hostage by cancelling their right to chose work or health is highly condemnable and inhumane,’ he added.
Also Read: Karnataka Cancels Trains for Migrant Workers After CM Yediyurappa Meets Builders Lobby
