Migrant conference Udupi

"A new chapter opens in the struggle of Migrant Communities in Karnataka."

Udupi: Two thousand migrant workers marched to demand their rights as citizens of this district – to the first ever convention of migrant workers in this State. Declaring a peaceful struggle to realise their rights, they announced the formation of the Karnataka Migrant Workers Union and unfurled their flag to display their symbol ‘footprints’ that visualises their long journey and their aspiration for a new world.

‘We wish to register our union, but the Labour Department has not accepted our application – on the grounds that we are not able to list the names of our employers. We challenge this and will move ahead to formally register our unions. We demand to be recognised as citizens of this district and to be taken note of. We provide so many services to the others, but even our most basic needs are neglected. Our children lack schools, anganwadis; we lack homes, water, toilets, medical facilities – most of all, we lack social security, recognition and respect.’ they said as they presented their demands to the august gathering.

Sri. Damodar Acharya, Executive Director of the Concerned for Working Children described the long and hard path taken by the movement since its inception, two years ago, to this day, when a dream came true for the members of the Karnataka Migrant Workers Union. ‘The members of the migrant communities are ignored as they are not voters.This movement is to make sure that their voices are heard – and their demands are met. One of the main demands of this movement is for the Government to implement ‘Income guarantee Schemes’ in the districts these communities come from. If that is effectively done, they do not wish to migrate from their home towns,’ he explained.

The chief guest at the programme, Sri, A. G, Kodgi, said ‘Today opens a new chapter in the struggle of Migrant families in Karnataka. The issues raised here are relevant, not just for Udupi, but for the entire State. Until now, the government has not faced any pressures from the migrant communities – from now on, things will be different. The government has a responsibility towards the members of the migrant communities. In fact, providing services to the workers should become a part of the labour contracts. I will totally support your cause’.

Smt . Hemalatha, CEC, Udupi hailed the effort of the migrant communities to get organised. She assured the gathering that she will ensure that all the concerned departments would be oriented to the concerns of the migrant communities and that she would ensure that an effective coordination is put in place to facilitated this.

A survey of the families in Udupi District was carried out by The Concerned for Working Children (CWC) during June-October 2006. There are totally 916 Migrant families and 4367 members in Udupi District. Most of these are from northern parts of Karnataka. Among the 916 families in Udupi District, 837 families are permanent migrants, 53 families are seasonal migrants and 26 families are nomadic. Following a period of over two years, the Concerned for Working Children assisted the members of the migrant communities to form their own organisation.

The programme included medical check ups for the participants and concluded with cultural programmes during which the members of the migrant communities shared their heritage and talents with each other.

MiGrants in udupi...

Have A look !

Who are we?
We are the people doing construction work, road repairs, working in the fields, working as coolies, collecting garbage, catching fishes…. coming from different parts of the nation in search of two meals a day.

Aren’t we counted?
We work for the comfort of people above us in the social class system but are treated as ‘dirty’ people by the same people. Though OUR population is around 20,000 we are neglected by the local people and also by the government.

No one hears our cry and need for drinking water, a house to stay, school, health service, old age pension, widow pension and such basic facilities.

When asked for a piece of land for constructing a house we are asked for ‘identity proof’. When asked for identity we are told we don’t have land possession. To vote in the election we are asked to present the ration card. When we demand for a ration card we are told ‘’go to your village and get one’’ and when we got to our village we are told that they don’t know us. So are we not the citizens of this nation?

Where is the law for us?
There is no law for migrant workers like us. The references made to us in different laws also don’t come to our help in any way.
We have no job security. If any injury takes place the responsibility of the employer is just to take us to the hospital. Where do we get money for treatment? If we die in the process of working how our body should be taken to our village? Where will the money come from? If any accident occurs we don’t get any kind of help from the employer or the government. The labor department doesn’t recognize us to form a labor union. We are told that we will be recognised only if we register the name of our employer. Are we stuck to one particular job? Are we doing the same kind of job? Are we working under a particular employer? Are we doing the same kind of job? If this is the law and rule for the registration of labor union, we disagree.

Union is our right
Our condition has to improve. For our lives to be secured we should be recognized and also should have a union. To ensure that, as citizens of this nation, we get our basic facilities and basic needs are met. The first and foremost step that needs to be taken is that of constructing a union.
We can magnetize the government and the society only by getting organised though a union. We have already been organised at many places like Manipal endpoint, Beedinagudde, Indrali, Nittur, Udyavara, Hattinagadi, Adiudupi etc. We are getting organized in many other places too. We are starting KARNATAKA MIGRANT WORKERS UNION by bringing together all such organisations.

Come join hands with us
On the 20th of May we had a seminar from 9:00 am at Ammani Ramanna Shetty Hall Udupi, to magnetize the government and the society towards our problem. We have invited government officials and representatives for the seminar.

we want you all help...... Come join hands with us so that we can make our problems and needs and wants heard. Let us show our strength though unity.Come as representative of your culture. Be prepared to sing and come with instruments. Let’s exchange our culture which is our strength. Let’s learn from each other and grow together.