75 lakh migrants have return home so far: MHA

May 23, 2020 18:59

The Centre on Saturday said around four crore migrant labourers are engaged in various works in different parts of the country and so far 75 lakh of them have returned home in trains and buses since the nationwide lockdown was imposed.

Joint Secretary in the Union home ministry, Punya Salila Srivastava, said the railways have engaged over 2,600 'Shramik' special trains since May 1 for transportation of the migrant workers from different parts of the country to their destinations.

"According to the last census report, there are four crore migrant workers in the country," she said at a press conference here.

Elaborating on the steps taken by the central government for the convenience of migrant workers since March 25, when the nationwide lockdown began, Srivastava said 35 lakh migrant workers have reached their destinations using 'Shramik' special trains, while 40 lakh have travelled in buses to reach their destinations.

The joint secretary said that on March 27, the home ministry had sent an advisory to all states and Union Territories that the issue of migrant workers should be handled with sensitivity and ensure that they don't move during the lockdown.

-- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Top Mumbai school axes principal over social media activities

Shaikh, the principal of Somaiya School in Mumbai's Vidyavihar area, described her "termination" from the post as "completely illegal, drastic and unwarranted" and expressed shock over the "politically motivated" action.

Glorification of violence: India slams Canada over Khalistani float in parade

India also accused Canada of allowing "celebration and glorification" of violence, expressing concerns over the security of Indian diplomats in that country, and said it expects Ottawa to ensure that they are able to carry out their...

Mayawati sacks nephew Akash as party co-ordinator, heir

Announcing it on X, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said she has taken the decision in the interest of the party and the movement and till the time Anand gains "full maturity".

In Pictures - Modi to Kharge, famous faces at polling booths

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar supremo Sharad Pawar were among the famous faces who queued up at the polling booths...

IPL PIX: Samson sizzles, but Royals lose to DC

Sanju Samson's entertaining half-century went in vain as Rajasthan Royals suffered a 20-run defeat against Delhi Capitals.