The 3rd meeting of the High-Level Task Force on Distress Migration, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, was held today at Lokseva Bhavan.
In the previous meeting, it had been decided to conduct a detailed study on the causes of distress migration. The survey is being undertaken by The Nudge Foundation. Based on its findings and government data, the state has decided to strengthen livelihood initiatives such as the Odisha PVTG Livelihood Model and Mukhya Mantri Janjati Jeevika Mission. Migrant workers will also be provided skill enhancement training.
Currently, multiple welfare schemes—MGNREGS, Subhadra Yojana, Input Assistance to Farmers, MKUY, Kamdhenu Yojana, goat rearing, and plantation programmes—are underway. The government has resolved to ensure 100% coverage of these schemes in migration-prone districts and blocks through saturation drives. Line department officers and secretaries will certify this coverage.
Officials reported that the Input Assistance Scheme for farmers during both kharif and rabi seasons has already helped reduce migration rates.
Additional strategies by departments such as Labour, PR&DW, FARD, and Agriculture include:
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Expanded irrigation support through canals and channels
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An extra 200 days of state-supported wages under MGNREGS for unskilled workers
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Gramodaya initiative, Model Gram Panchayat development, and contract farming opportunities
A committee will be formed to improve household incomes, curb distress migration, and crack down on labour sardars. This body will coordinate with enforcement officers, police, railway authorities, and district administrations in mission mode.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Pravati Parida, Suresh Pujari, Rabi Narayan Naik, Nityananda Gond, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, Sampad Chandra Swain, and Gokulananda Mallick, along with the Principal Secretaries of Finance, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, PR&DW, DG and ADG of Police (Railway), representatives from The Nudge Foundation, and senior departmental officers.
