Balangir migrant labourer dies after falling from train FRIDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2011 00:56 SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR HITS: 9 User Rating: / 0

Balangir migrant labourer dies after falling from train
FRIDAY, 25 NOVEMBER 2011 00:56 SUDHIR MISHRA | BALANGIR HITS: 9
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Even as the Government is making tall claims of providing job work to people at their doorsteps and improving the livelihoods of the rural poor and checking distress migration, yet reports of rural poverty-stricken people are migrating in search of jobs livelihoods to neighbouring States, only to lose their lives and face various ordeals.

According to reports, Gautam Bhoi (26) of Bijamaal village of Muribahal block in Balangir district was going to Andhra Pradesh accompanied by his wife Sangita (24) to seek jobs in the brick kiln industry.

Gautam set out on migration on November 21 along with some residents of his in-laws’ village Mundpadar in Bongomunda block. While going to Andhra Pradesh, on the way he fell down from the train on November 22. His wife jumped from the train in an attempt to save him.

“We have got information that while Gautam has died, his injured wife has been admitted to a hospital at Rayagada,” said Bhajaram Raam Sahu of the Jana Mukti Anusthan.

He said this year; the police administration has taken a drive to check illegal migration by arresting 22 brick kiln owners from Andhra Pradesh at Kantabanji a few days ago. But people are migrating clandestinely. When asked, they would say they have gone for Ita Gadhi (brick construction) in Andhra Pradesh.

Even today, Basant Deep, a young migrant from Balikhamar village has been missing since last three years.

The absence of records of migrants and their unsafe way of migration are really creating difficulties to trace/or rescue them or to extend any help to them in case of any incident. The panchyat must keep a register of the migrants, which would reveal their names, destinations of migration so that in case of any eventualities necessary support could be extended, said Sahu further.

“I have not received any information so far on this incident (Od Gautam’s fate),” said District Labour Officer (DLO) PK Bhoi. “I will look into the matter,” he added.
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