Latehar: In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of migrant workers, the Jharkhand government has introduced a series of financial protection measures for labourers migrating to other states in search of employment. The provisions include payment of wages from the date of employment agreement, displacement allowance, travel expenses, compensation for travel time, and financial assistance in cases of accidents, disability, or death.
Appealing to labourers planning to seek employment outside Jharkhand, Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar urged workers to familiarise themselves with their legal rights and available government support mechanisms before leaving the state. He emphasized the importance of registration and advised workers facing issues related to wages, allowances, workplace exploitation, or other hardships to immediately contact the designated helplines. The Deputy Commissioner noted that greater awareness and timely registration would help ensure that workers and their families receive government assistance and protection whenever needed.
According to the provisions, the day a worker enters into an agreement with an agent, labour contractor, or intermediary for employment outside the state, wages become payable from that date itself. In addition, the contractor or agent is required to provide a displacement allowance equivalent to half a month’s wages. The responsibility for bearing the cost of travel to and from the workplace, along with wages for time spent during the journey, rests with the contractor, agent, or principal employer. While the primary responsibility for payment of wages and allowances lies with the contractor, the principal employer remains accountable if those obligations are not fulfilled. Contractors engaged in sending workers to other states must also obtain a valid licence from the Labour Department.
The government has also put in place a comprehensive compensation framework for migrant workers and their families. In the event of death or permanent total disability caused by an accident or natural calamity, dependents of a registered migrant worker are entitled to financial assistance of ₹2 lakh, while dependents of unregistered workers can receive ₹1.5 lakh. The same compensation applies in cases involving the loss of both eyes or two limbs. Workers suffering the loss of one eye or one limb are eligible for assistance of ₹1 lakh if registered and ₹75,000 if unregistered.
Additional support measures have been incorporated to ease the burden on affected families. In the case of a worker’s death, reimbursement of up to ₹50,000 is available for transporting the mortal remains to the native residence. Furthermore, under the Chief Minister Jharkhand International Migrant Worker Grant Scheme, families of eligible workers who die while employed abroad can receive a one-time financial assistance of ₹5 lakh.
To enable workers to access these benefits, the government has urged migrant labourers to register themselves on the Shramadhaan Portal. Registration can be completed online through a smartphone or with assistance from nearby Pragya Kendras. Workers are required to provide their Aadhaar number, bank account details, and mobile number. Officials stated that registration will ensure smoother access to welfare schemes and emergency assistance whenever required.
For grievances, guidance, or emergency support, migrant workers may contact the Migrant Control Room through helpline numbers 9470132591, 9431336427, 9431336398, 9431336472, and 9431336432, or avail assistance through the toll-free number 18003456526.
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