Odisha Launches First Mobile Migrant Resource Centre to Support Migrant Workers
Initiative aims to raise awareness and curb distress migration in vulnerable districts
Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo inaugurated Odisha’s first Mobile Migrant Resource Centre and a mobile van at Krushi Bhavan, marking a significant step towards addressing the issues faced by migrant workers.
The initiative is a joint effort of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the UN’s Migrant Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MMTF). It focuses on five migration-prone blocks in Ganjam and Kendrapara districts.
Singh Deo, who also chairs the state's high-level Task Force on migrant welfare, emphasized that the government is implementing livelihood and skill development programmes for women, youth, and returning migrants to make them self-reliant. He highlighted the toll-free helpline (1800-345-7885) for migrants to access assistance and information.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, noted that the mobile centre would serve as a model framework for sustainable migration solutions.
The launch was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Labour Department, FAO, IOM, and other key stakeholders.
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