Interstate Migrant Workers in India–Vulnerability in respect of Social Security and Health Rights

Abstract

Migrant workers in India are the most poor and vulnerable sector of the work force in the country as they are not only deprived of various social security measures but are also susceptible to various health issues. There are various barriers for interstate migrant workers in getting access to Government health services. These barriers are lack of confidence for accessing the health services or fear of the system, local language problem, cultural bias, distance from hospitals, lack of awareness about provision of health facilities and patriarchy prominence. Migrant workers are often considered as non-citizens and their human rights are neglected in host States. Regardless of their status, interstate migrant workers should, by virtue of their essential humanity, enjoy all human rights. By and large, these interstate migrant workers are employed in informal sector where the social protection is totally missing who need support through various social assistance programmes. In most cases, migrant workers are excluded from benefits paid wholly or partly out of public funds, with those in an irregular situation bearing the brunt of policy decision. Migrant workers are predominant features of the contemporary age of globalisation. Migration worldwide has shown a constant upward trajectory, with one in every 50 human beings worldwide living outside their country of origin. Both private sector and various government departments need to play an important role in providing social security to interstate migrant workers. The author in this article would like to examine various kinds of discrimination, human rights violations faced by interstate migrant workers concerning social security and health rights in India and suggest measures for their betterment in the society which will help us to achieve one of the Sustainable Development Goals, 2030 of United Nations Development Programme.