Arrest Distress Migration under MGNREGA

COVID-19, the pandemic, has impacted all of us in various ways, including economically, socially, and emotionally. However, one group that was particularly affected was migrant laborers, and this was also true for the people of the Balangir district in Odisha. Distress migration, which involves the most disadvantaged sections of society, such as those facing caste-based discrimination, poverty, and structural inequalities, is prevalent in the region. Every year, thousands of people migrate for work as wage laborers, rickshaw pullers, and hotel workers.

To address this issue, ASSA partnered with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) to initiate Rojgar Diwas (MNREGA DAY) in four blocks: Muribahal, Bangomunda, and Saintala in Balangir, and Sadar in Kalahandi district. This program aimed to provide 100 days of wage employment under the MNREGA Scheme to local poor individuals, including persons with disabilities and daily wage earners.

The program covered 10-gram panchayats, each with a Community Resource Person responsible for informing the local people about the objectives and benefits of MNREGA. This involved sharing information about employment opportunities, assisting with job card registration, and identifying potential work in their area.