The migrant working population is among those severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The State and Central governments have been making several attempts to address the woes of migrant labor.
The Railway Ministry has even allotted special trains to transport migrant labor to their home destinations.
Hearing to the plight of migrant workers during COVID-19, the Supreme Court said it plans to direct the Center to send back all migrants to their native places within 15 days.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench of SC justices that ‘Shramik Special’ trains have already transported many migrants.
According to Mehta, around 4,200 Shramik trains have been run to transport migrants till June 03, 2020.
Around one crore migrant workers have been transported to date, with the majority of them to UP and Bihar states.
In this regard, he asked the state governments to tell about how many migrant workers are yet to be moved and the number of trains required for that activity.
The apex court has considered this hearing by itself as the top priority, and the process is underway.
The Supreme Court (SC) also directed the state governments to create employment opportunities for all migrant workers.
Further judgment in this regard, on transportation, registration, and employment of migrant workers, is expected on June 09, 2020.
Earlier on May 28, 2020, the SC has ordered the government not to collect any fair from migrant workers for their travel to native places.
“States and Union Territories should publicize place and period for providing food to stranded workers,” SC said earlier.
