Bhubaneswar: Odisha Labour & Employees State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Tuesday urged migrant workers to register with the Labour Department before leaving the state for employment opportunities elsewhere.
“We are aware of the challenges faced by state migrant workers. To assist them, the government has launched a toll-free helpline. I urge all workers planning to go outside Odisha to register with the Labour Department. Registration will help ensure their safety and allow them to access government benefits,” said Singhkhuntia while speaking to the media.
The minister added that Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programmes are being conducted in panchayats across the state to raise awareness about the registration process.
“Many migrant workers have faced hardships and some have even returned deceased. Registration at panchayat and district levels will help prevent such incidents,” Singhkhuntia added.
He also highlighted that under the DALKHAI (Dignified Access to Livelihood, Knowledge, Health and Allied Infrastructure) scheme, skill mapping of workers will be undertaken, while efforts are being made to generate local employment in migration-prone districts like Nuapada and Balangir through sericulture and other industries. Additional awareness drives will be conducted this year to prevent unregistered migration.
Singhkhuntia concluded by urging workers to register promptly to avail themselves of government support and ensure a safer migration process.
