The Migrants of Incredible India

The Migrants of Incredible India

Lt Gen Rajiv Bhalla

The Hon’ble PM ‘s announcement of the lockdown with effect from 25^th March 2020 came as much of a surprise as it was for demonetisation in Nov 2016. The extreme short notice for demonetisation was clearly understood and accepted by the population, but retrospectively, the sudden imposition of lockdown seems to be an hasty decision as it left thousands of people stranded. The parliament session and probably other advisories may have been the key factors for delay in announcement of the lockdown without a lead time.

The lockdown decision though very significant and urgently needed for a populated country like India, could however have been announced earlier with a lead time of 10 -12 days for people to decide to stay or shift as per their convenience. The extreme short notice instructions caused unthinkable misery to a very large section of the population, especially the poor, who leave their homes for seeking better opportunities and livelihood in cities/towns. The State officials are well aware of the migrant population in their respective states and their living conditions and would have had a fair idea about the implications of the lockdown. With the lead time, special trains could have been organized for the benefit of the migrant population thereby saving them the uncertain dilemma.  A well orchestrated plan to impose the unavoidable lockdown would have ensured a smooth shift of these migrants sans the misery they suffered.

A chaotic situation arose due to lack of adequate information to the general public resulting in mass exodus of the shifting population. This has exposed the vulnerable underbelly of our structures and the insensitive attitude towards the underprivileged. The official realization came, albeit slightly late, to make up for the turbulence situation.

The migrants showed grit and will to undertake the long trek home with their belongings and small children. It is perceived that this willpower comes out of intense frustration and when a feeling of desolation creeps in.

It is estimated that more than four crore migrants were impacted and lacs left their place of work to head back to the succor of their villages. This must be one of the largest ‘reverse migrations’ in the Indian history. While there were a number of NGOs/ organizations/Individuals who came forward to help the poor but there were no centralized concerted efforts to assuage their agony and emotional hurt. The arrangements made were ‘too late’ and not communicated to the affected people leaving them guessing and to work out their own adhoc arrangements. While many philanthropists came forward to organize food, buses and other modes of transport, the touts took advantage of the situation charging them exorbitant rates for the bus/truck rides home. Under the prevailing circumstances the poor migrants should have been given a free ride to their destinations.

In the coming days they would get financial help through the Central Government schemes by way of Direct Bank Transfer into their bank accounts, but it is very unlikely that this would assuage their hurt and sufferings during the long journey home. Rather the scars of the trek will remain etched in theirs and the young children’s memory for decades to come. The trek and the road journey would have been extremely traumatic for the elderly, women and the young children.  They are very unlikely to forget and forgive for their misery in these unbearable and compulsive circumstances.                            

The videos and photos circulated on the social media were extremely poignant and heart wrenching. The agonizing trek of hundreds of kilometers, though incomparable, reminds of the hazardous annual migration of giant herds through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems.  It would have been equally hazardous and dangerous for the tender children and the elderly and falling prey to the vagaries of the weather and other unfortunate tragedies.

The 1947 partition still invokes horrifying memories and seems fresh like a raw wound in the minds of many Indians. We should therefore not be naïve to believe that the scars etched during this unprecedented trek of the migrants will not remain an unforgivable memory for next couple of generations.

The migrants who are heading back to their villages in UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Bengal and some other states are unlikely to gain confidence to return soon. While the lockdown has slowly opened up and restrictions are being relaxed to get the economic activity going, the migrant labour will be least worried about the revival of economy. The glitter and the high rise buildings of the cities which draw the rural youth to migrate is likely to have been shattered and they may not easily venture out to the uncertain obscurity of the cities.

The Modi Government came to power last year with a thumping majority. Mr Narendra Modi may be one of the very few Prime Ministers whose name is well known even to the young children in the remotest of villages of the country. This is primarily due to his popularity and the aspirational expectation of ushering in a change for betterment of their lives. However the lockdown though meant for the benefit of all citizens could be a blur on the Government machinery due to its poor planning and handling of the migrant situation and the resultant difficulties faced by them in reaching home.

These people form the core work force of the industry and may not easily forget the sufferings. It is therefore imperative that in the coming months their issues are addressed on priority and they are made to feel an important part of the urban fraternity and are facilitated to get back to their places of work with dignity this time. The section of inconsiderate urban community, which seems to be growing should respect and adopt the culture of dignity of labour and not take them for granted.