Rayagada: The “double-engine government” had promised to eliminate the issue of migrant labor in Odisha. Residents of remote districts like Rayagada had hoped for a decline in this problem. However, this expectation has remained unfulfilled.
Even today, due to a lack of employment opportunities in the district, families, youth, and job seekers are migrating to southern Indian states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala in search of work. Unfortunately, many of them face fatal consequences. The harsh reality is that these laborers, who leave to earn a livelihood, often lose their lives in distant lands.
In 2024, news of 10 migrant workers from Rayagada losing their lives while working in other states has raised serious concerns about the situation in the district. The families of these deceased workers, struggling with financial difficulties, often cannot afford to bring their bodies back. Only after intervention from the district administration and labor department are the mortal remains transported back for final rites.
According to district labor department sources, the highest number of 10 migrant laborers’ bodies were returned to Rayagada in 2024.
Government’s Efforts vs. Ground Reality
The government claims to be creating millions of workdays under the MNREGA scheme to address the issue of migrant labor. However, despite the establishment of large industries in Rayagada and surrounding areas, migration has not been curbed effectively. Labor organizations have raised concerns about the government’s failure in this regard.
Many villages from blocks like Kashipur, Kalyansinghpur, Muniguda, Bisam Cuttack, and Kolnara continue to witness mass migration. Poor families, educated youths, and unemployed individuals are forced to leave in search of work.
However, the labor department lacks official data on the number of people migrating from the district. Instead of implementing concrete solutions, the administration is merely running awareness campaigns using mobile vans to inform people about Migrant Worker Laws, Child Labor Prevention Acts, and government welfare schemes.
Despite these efforts, the issue of migrant labor in Rayagada remains unresolved.