Despite the continuation of the lockdown measures, India is witnessing the increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases every day. India now has the 10th highest number of confirmed cases worldwide. Maharashtra continues to be the worst hit state with 56,948 cases, which is 35.96 per cent of the total number of cases in the country. It is followed by Tamil Nadu with 18,545 cases and Delhi with 15,257 cases.
The nationwide lockdown has pushed migrant workers in Delhi from different states of India into a state of extreme helplessness and risk. For majority of them there is the immediate loss of daily wages. Lockdown in the capital of India, has resulted in a storm of socio-economic exclusion, loss of livelihood and public health hazards. Majority of these migrants who hail from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Rajasthan want to return back to their native states as the pandemic tightens its grip all over Delhi. Reverse migration is taking place as they feel the stress of the moment. Migrants are returning to their villages leaving their livelihood into deep uncertainty.
“My family did not have food to eat for last two days, I am a daily wager. There is no work for me. I wanted to go back to my native place in Madhuvani. I did not know how to go. But you have come to me as a messiah and helped me and my family to go back to my place. I cannot forget this generosity,” said Ramakant, a native of Madhuvani, who had been working in Delhi for many years.
On 27th May, 2020 Ashalayam Don Bosco, New Delhi helped 60 migrant labourers to return to Madhuvani and Chhapra in Bihar by two separate buses. Fr. Swanoop Chaudhury, along with Mrs. Yogita got the required permissions from the Inter State Government officials, did the registration of the passengers, got the passengers tested for Covid-19 by the District Magistrate’s Office at Khaanpur, Delhi and made the necessary arrangements for the journey. The migrants were also provided with food packets, water, fruits and masks through the kind courtesy of many generous benefactors. The kind gesture was appreciated by all the migrants who benefitted from this initiative which will enable them to reach home. Fr. Swanoop will never forget the repeated blessings he received from a lady who had tears of gratitude in her eyes.
Fr. Babu Varghese SDB