" Migrant workers: Budget missed an opportunity to protect the invisible workforce", 11 August 2024

The Budget 2024, presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has sought to tackle various economic and social challenges facing India. However, a significant omission is the lack of explicit provisions for inter-state and international migrant workers.

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A critical aspect of the budget is the introduction of employment-linked incentive schemes designed to enhance formal employment and skilling, benefiting new entrants to the workforce and the manufacturing sector.

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Despite the indirect benefits provided by the budget, it is crucial to explicitly address the challenges faced by migrant workers within national fiscal policies.

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Explicitly including migration and migrant labourers in the Union Budget would ensure targeted interventions that address their specific needs. For instance, detailed data collection on migrant populations could improve policy formulation and implementation. Dedicated programs for migrant workers’ health, education, and social security could enhance their quality of life and economic contributions, as well as promote interstate collaboration on migrant issues.

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Recent climate-induced disasters, such as the landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive policies that address the vulnerabilities of migrant workers. These workers often face discrimination and neglect during disaster response and rehabilitation phases due to the lack of adequate data and formal recognition.