"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.
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.
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