Team Herald
vasco: With over 4,700 migrants from Mormugao, Vasco registering their names for transport back to their home States, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho and Mormugao MLA Milind Naik said that usch as mass exodus will directly or indirectly affect various sectors.
Migrants on the other hand, who were seen gathering in large numbers outside the municipality building in Vasco, said that they are suffering in Goa as they have been deprived of their livelihood due to the lockdown and that at home, they can at least get food from their homegrown crops. They also added that they don’t have to worry about shelter or rent there. These migrants, who are mostly daily wage earners, added that they are praying that that they can head home quickly and for arrangements of special trains to transport them.
Commenting on the mass exodus, Naik, the Urban Development Minister stated that it’s natural for migrant workers, not just in Goa but from all States to want to go home. On Goa, he felt that given that migrant labourers were working here for so many years, their departure will definitely affect various works in the State. “But we must understand that nobody has forced them to go out but they chose to go to their native places because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Naik added.
He further stated that he feels that they will return back to Goa later on to continue working in the sectors they were employed in earlier. “The State government will likely come up with some solution on the labour shortage issue,” Naik added.
Godinho, Panchayat Minister shared similar views and said,” We are requesting migrant workers to stay back in Goa as we need them and there is work available here. Works which are not done by the Goans are taken by these migrants. Which workforce is behind construction of buildings, roads, sewage network and handling of garbage? Migrant labourers are an essential part of the economic system of Goa, “ Godinho.
“The government of Goa is worried about what will be the scenario in the State if all migrant labourers go back to their native places,” he added. Taking potshots at a regional social group , Godinho said they should understand that India is one country and anyone from India is free to go anywhere in the country and stay. “We all must not discriminate and must not target one section of the society but we must stay united,” Godinho added further.
