Today opens a new chapter in the struggle of
Migrant Communities in Karnataka
G. Kodgi, Chairperson, Third Finance Commission,
Karnataka
(20th May 2007)
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 at Udupi District. 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 union. 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 the children and adults as they
presented their demands to the policy makers and media.
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. 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. This movement is to make sure that their voices
are heard – and their demands are met’ 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 has assisted the members of the migrant communities to form their own
organisation.
Today’s
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.
Issued
by the Concerned for Working Children
For a detailed report on the
migrants Study – please write to cwc@pobox.com
May
20, 2007,
Kavita Ratna,
Director communication,
The
Concerned for Working Children (CWC)
303/2, L.B. Shastri Nagar,
Vimanapura Post,
# 91 - 80 - 25234611/25234270
Web: www.workingchild.org
Children
are citizens today!