C M Y K

BHUBANESWAR, THURSDAY 09 APRIL 2020 07

Urban poor deserve more
100 YEARS AGO

OCCASIONAL NOTE
The British miner has not been seen in
the most favourable light of late. Little
has been heard about him beyond
ABHIMANYU GIROTRA reports of strikes or threatened strikes,
demands for shorter hours with exorbi-

I
f someone were to ask my family
whom they are missing the most
during this lockdown even though
everyone is confined together,
unanimously they would point to our
cooks and maids. Chances are most
households are missing them, eager-
ly waiting for them to come back and
even praying that they remain safe.
Our cooks, maids, drivers, deliv-
ery boys, construction workers,
plumbers, carpenters etc. are our life-
line and keep India going. These
migrant workers in order to keep their
lives going, migrate to cities from vil-
lages. Census 2011 pegs the total
number of internal migrants in the
country at a staggering 139 million. A
large number of them live hand to
mouth and can easily slip back into
poverty when faced with even a single
contingency like a lockdown.
The lockdown almost ceased
their livelihoods and they ran to the
safety of their villages. We all saw
heart-wrenching images of migrant
workers battling hunger and fatigue,
even walking hundreds of kilometers
to reach their village where they could
get food and a roof. They are the
“Urban Poor”: Marginalized and
exploited.
The political class ignores them
because they don’t count as votes.
States deem internal migration as a
problem and a burden on urban
infrastructure. Trade unions are
ambivalent as they do not represent
significant political gains for them.
Irony is that India’s growth story is
propelled by internal migration, and
India will continue to grow as internal
migration increases. Just like migrants
brought globalization to the world
these internal migrants became the
unnamed backbone of India and
brought prosperity to urban cities.
Their toil ensures skyscrapers
stand, metros get built in the most
unimaginable places, toilets at air-
ports shine and groceries get deliv-
ered in a jiffy. But prosperous India
has failed them. Low wages, no safety
net, unsafe work environments, dis-
putes at worksites, non-payment,
abuse, accidents and even death are
just some of the occupational hazards
these migrants have to live with.
The Government has done little
to emancipate them. The landmark
Code on Wages, which was passed on
2 August 2019, did little for the lives
and livelihoods of these workers. The
national floor minimum wage was set
CROSSWORD
at Rs 178 under the Act, only Rs 2 more
than the amount declared two years
ago. Taking inflation into account, this
translates into a decline in real wages.
In 2020, four new codes are likely to
be introduced with an uber mission
to improve ease of doing business in
India. The codes will regulate wages;
industrial relations, working condi-
tions and social security.
While these codes go a long way
to attract employers they pay lip ser-
vice to migrant workers. Hiring and
firing of contractual workers will now
be much easier for employers. Only
firms that employ more than 300
workers need government approval to
fire staff ( earlier limit was 100).
Unionisation and strikes are almost
banned. Minimum wages will now be
revised only once every five years, and
the code is unclear on payment for
overtime work. India needs to do
more for these unnamed heroes who
risk their lives, stay in makeshift hous-
es, and sacrifice the future of their
children only to ensure that dreams of
NO 27916
Covid-19 response
our children see the light of the day.
First and foremost, for any bene-
fit to trickle to these migrants they
need to be identified. Each state Gov-
ernment should maintain a migrant
population register so in times of
need, fiscal help can be extended to
them as it is being done now for “rural
poor” through direct deposits in Jan
Dhan Yojana bank accounts. To pro-
tect the interests of migrant workers
in the destination state, each source
state should have a liaison office in
the destination state. The idea is sim-
ilar to a country that has embassies of
foreign countries to protect the inter-
ests of non citizens.
These offices could function as
registration centres, remittance shops,
insurance providers, arbitration and
disputes resolution centres. During
the current lockdown these offices
could have sent SOS alerts to migrants
to reach for pre-arranged transporta-
tion. These offices may not be in all
states but at the hotspots of migration.
For example, UP and Bihar are the
biggest source states, followed closely
by MP, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttarak-
hand, Jammu and Kashmir and West
Bengal; the major destination states
are Delhi, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu,
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
To extend it further these centres
could become the middlemen
between employer and the worker.
Since enforcement of wages, safety
and well being are low priorities for
opportunistic employers, these offices
could be the official destination for
employers to find workers and for
workers to get their paychecks. Imple-
mentation would require strong inter-
state support and hotlines between
states to resolve issues quickly. Inter-
state support could ensure that the
demand of each host state is known
in advance to the source state and it
could divert outflow of migrant work-
ers accordingly. We also need more
NGOs to support the cause of these
“urban poor”. NGOs are generally
focussed on specific segments like
farmers, women, artisans etc but not
the likelihood of a significantly lower
AFP
many are focussed on migrant work-
ers as these people are always mov-
ing. The liaison office could be a good
starting point for NGOs to reach this
segment.
As we work on the above areas it
is important to realize that these jobs
are finite in nature. India unlike China
is not a manufacturing hub so has lim-
itations on how many of these migrant
workers it can absorb. With the advent
of automation these jobs will decline.
It is vital that the Government realizes
this and sets up safety nets to take care
of these migrant workers whose sweat
and toil makes India’s armour glisten.
If the Government can fight tooth and
nail to provide citizenship for illegal
migrants of persecuted minorities
from neighbouring countries, it can
surely help these migrants who
already are Indian citizens but are per-
secuted, oppressed and ill-treated.
They indeed deserve more.
The writer, a management post-graduate from
the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata,
works for Google. These views are personal.
Somewhat similar views regarding
tant wages, and proposals under the
guise of nationalisation to expropriate
every other interest in the mineral wealth
of the country except that of manual
workers. In the old days he was an object
of popular sympathy; now he is begin-
ning to be looked upon as a potential
tyrant. Coal-mining, being a key industry,
is an object of socialist intrigue, and the
mischief-making of the Labour extrem-
ists has not improved the miner’s reputa-
tion. All the more welcome, therefore, is
the picture which our correspondent
“Northumbrian” has given of the other
side of the miner’s character. True,
“Northumbrian” speaks on the strength
of experience which is five years old, and
these five years have made a difference to
the miner as to everybody else; but, as
“Northumbrian” remembers him, he was
the best miner, as he has since proved
himself one of the best soldiers, in the
world. It is refreshing in these days to
hear a boast of how much a worker can
produce. We need not enter into any
comparisons between the outputs of
British and Indian miners. Even a British
miner might find the work in this climate
different from that in Northumberland.
It is enough here to note our correspon-
dent’s testimony to the capacity of the
British miner in his own land.
NEWS ITEMS
BARUIPUR RIOT
CASE
Mr. J.N. Mitter, Deputy Magistrate of Ali-
pore, after a protracted hearing has dis-
posed of the case in which one Santo
Dewan and three other rich landowners
of Baruipur were charged with rioting
and causing grievous hurt to Porleas Sir-
dar, a rival landowner and his men. The
evidence showed that a dispute arose
between the parties regarding the pos-
session of a big plot of land which was in
the actual possession of the com-
plainant’s party. One day the accused
along with others, armed with swords
and spears went to take forcible posses-
sion of the disputed land, when the
complainant and his party came and
remonstrated with them. A riot ensued,
in the course of which the complainant
and some of his men were seriously
injured. The magistrate found all the
accused guilty and sentenced six
months’ imprisonment.
FAMINE YEAR
STATISTICS
Bombay, Apr 8
Some interesting statistics relative to the
last famine year appear in the newly

should be measured
fatality rate and the need for avoiding
sweeping counter-measures such as pro-
longed lockdowns have been expressed
by some other very senior scientists as
well including Dr. Sucharit Bhakdi, who
was head of the Institute of Medical
Microbiology and Hygiene, Germany and
has corresponded with the German
Chancellor for re-examining the
response.
Hence it is clear that there is a strong
need for avoiding panic and panic-dri-
ven draconian responses which also have
a tendency of curbing transparency and
contributing to the growth of authoritar-
ianism. Instead we need transparent,
democratic responses based on dialogue
with communities and scientists/experts
holding divergent opinions and under-
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION trapped by
undersea glaciers
standing so that the best possible
responses, based on extensive research
rising (5) and the best understanding of the exist-
3 Sticky little ing knowledge base, can be evolved. Also,
growths twist it is important to ensure that these
leg out of shape (8)
4 University dons
responses are based entirely in public
brought up poor interest and are free from any narrow
artist’s feeble motives of greed and domination. Unfor-
effort (4) BHARAT DOGRA decisions without reliable data. tunately, the response of the world has
5 Staring angrily at
Dr. loannidis says: “The current so far not lived up to these ideals and so
issued report of the railborne trade in the
Bombay Presidency. The year had had a
bad start owing to the mischievous late
rains in 1917, and agricultural operations
were also interfered with by the terrible
influenza epidemics. Agrarian traffic car-
ried by rail, exclusive of treasure and live
stock, declined 4.9 per cent but rose from
204 to 259 crores or 27.1 per cent in value
compared with the preceding year. The
quantity of raw cotton carried increased
14.4 per cent over the preceding year and
was 12 per cent below the quinquennial
average, but its value was 36 per cent
above that of the preceding year, and
nearly three times the average.
THE MOSLEM
DELEGATION
In the House of Commons, Mr. H.A. Fish-
er, replying on behalf of the Secretary for
India to Lieutenant-Colonel James, said
members of the Caliphate or Islamic del-
egation now visiting England had been
officially received by representatives of
the Indian Government in England, but
such reception did not constitute an act

T
first person
shouting on the his is a time of almost unprece- coronavirus Covid-19 has been called a course correction is clearly needed. of official approval of the constitution of
phone (10) dented disruption of normal life at once-in-a-century pandemic. But it may Basically, we need a response where the delegation. As to whether the Gov-
6 Knowing when a global level. It was stated at a WHO also be a one-in-a-century evidence fias- such medically needed norms of social ernment of India would have been acting
student fails to
finish (6)
briefing on April 6 that more than co. At a time when everyone needs better distancing, quarantine, tests and treat- within its powers had it pointed out to
7 Transmuting a third of the world is currently under some information, from disease modelers and ment etc. are evolved which can co-exist the heads of the Mohammedan faith in
metal is primarily form of lockdown as a result of the Covid- governments to people quarantined or with the basic requirements of protecting India and in this country the sinister
his concern (9) 19 pandemic. Tens of millions of people, just social distancing, we lack reliable evi- livelihoods and food security of people. results liable to accrue from the inclusion
ACROSS 8 Concentrate less,
of legal proceedings(4)
getting left out,
including those living in some of the rich- dence on how many people have been While meeting special Covid-19 related of a revolutionary as the leader of the del-
19 Opiate isn’t derived
1 Oven with glowing
from this plant (10) hence missing est countries, are in a state of unprecedented infected with SARS-CoV-2 or who con- medical needs (particularly essential egation, the right hon. gentleman stated
exterior got very
22 Weakened and opening (7) panic. tinue to become infected. Better infor- medicines and equipment, protection that it was within the power of the Gov-
hot (7)
5 Aquatic animal’s
let guards empty 13 Surprising French In such a situation the most obvious mation is needed to guide decisions and needs of medical and sanitation staff ), ernment of India to point out anything
article about
tail appearing
latrine (8)
warning received
and important question is whether at a actions of monumental significance and life-saving medicines and services should they pleased.
23 Defect after
first in spring (7)
leader’s been taken by new witness (10) policy level the world has been able to monitor their impact.” continue to be available at least at the
respond in an effective and rational way. Further he says regarding the same level as before for other serious dis-
EX-GERMAN LINER
9 Importance 15 Letters providing
ill (6)
publication attached
to naked figure full
26 Interim agenda protection for Unfortunately, the answer is clearly in the adverse policy impacts of this serious eases and injuries as well as for materni-
IN BOMBAY
owner of mobile
of sex appeal (9)
includes public
home? (5,4)
negative. On the plus side, there is huge shortcoming in world response, “Dra- ty and child-birth.
perception of
10 Fare from
company (5) 17 Auditor’s most scope for reducing distress if midway conian counter-measures have been Dr. Peter Goetzsche, Prof. of Clinical
Mexico via
27 Illustrate Greek appropriate passion policy corrections can be made at a adopted in many countries. If the pan- Research Design and Analysis at the Uni- Allahabad, Apr 8
America included
in high cost (5)
mathematician for another world level and in most countries. demic dissipates - either on its own or versity of Copenhagen recently made an Among the list of shipping arrivals at
auditor? (8)
11 High-pitched
moving his line,
18 Ration in the army? (7)
It hardly needs to be emphasized because of these measures - short-term interesting observation on the responses Bombay will be found the name of the
reflecting his
sound starts to
character (9) 20 Agents gripped by that the first step is to have a proper extreme social distancing and lockdowns of various governments to the ongoing Koenig Friedrich August, one of the relief
bother ladies
28 Setter’s cheering first half of writer’s understanding of the problem. This itself may be bearable. How long, though, pandemic. He said, “Our main problem is ships assigned to India by the Ministry of
aboard plane? (6)
12 Criticise article
when cycling (7) supplement (7) has been an area of much confusion. In should measures like these be continued that no one will get in trouble for mea- Shipping to mitigate passage congestion.
21 Introduce character
about the great
29 Set of terminals
providing opening
this context one of the most discussed if the pandemic churns across the globe sures that are too draconian. They will This steamer, we believe, is expected to
connects display to
and the good (8)
computer socket(7) for somewhat contributions has been written by a very unabated? How can policymakers tell if only get in trouble if they do too little. So, sail for England about the end of the
14 They start to lead lifeless hosts (6) senior scientist and a renowned expert they are doing more good than harm?” our politicians and those working with month and the whole of the accommo-
saint astray without DOWN
conviction (10)
24 Duckweed on this issue, Dr. John P.A loannidis. He is Dr. loannidis goes on to show how public health do much more than they dation on board will be available for civil-
reportedly forming
16 Divers may use
1 Second fight
large area across
Professor of Medicine and Professor of the prevailing fatality rate estimates are should do.” However, he adds that dra- ian and non-entitled military passengers.
perhaps upset
this spear hunting
more gentle the pond (5) Epidemiology and Population Health, likely to be exaggerated and the actual conian measures cannot be applied Whether all the berths available on this
fish (4)
children (7) 25 Form of insect life Stanford University School of Health. His fatality rate is likely to be much lower. As beyond a point and so we have to think ship have yet been allotted we cannot say,
18 Support visit to
delay postponement
2 Marine life in Papua New Guinea contribution, published on March 17 in panic conditions result mainly from high of different approaches which can be but competition for them is sure to be
finally disappearing (4)
STAT News, is titled ‘ A Fiasco in the Mak- fatality rate, there is actually scientific sustained. keen, and in view of the large numbers
NOTE: Figures in parentheses denote the number of letters in the words required. ing’. evidence that much of this panic, and the still awaiting passages only those persons
The writer is a freelance journalist and author.
(By arrangement with The Independent, London) Essentially here he has stated that as resulting mental health problems, are not His recent books are ‘Planet in Peril’ and whose names have been registered with
the pandemic takes hold, we are making based on any hard evidence. ‘Protecting Mother Earth for Children. Messrs. Mackinnon Mackenzie and Co.

C M Y K