Panjim: Minister Michael Lobo has said that stranded migrants, who are set to go back to their native states in the wake of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order allowing interstate movement, should bear their own cost to return to their respective home states.
If the migrants – majority of whom have been working in the hospitality sector cannot afford to make the payment – Lobo said, government of their respective states should take the responsibility.
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“I discussed with the Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited and some private bus operators to transport the stranded workers to their native States. However, the bus fares have to be borne by the workers themselves or their employers. If still not possible, then their respective State governments should help,” Lobo told reporters after a meeting with North Goa Collector R Menaka, in Panjim on Thursday.
Incidentally, majority of the stranded workers are associated with the hospitality sector, which have been shut during the lockdown as part of the steps taken by the Centre to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The Minister also proposed to direct the village panchayats to compile the data of the stranded workers/migrants. “We welcome the MHA order that stranded people including migrants and workers can go back to their States. In Goa, there are many who worked in hotels, casinos, shacks, water sports, etc and want to return to their natives. We have asked panchayats to compile the list of workers in their jurisdictions as it would be easier to divide the workers based on their districts and accordingly ferry them to their natives,” he said.
Those having their own vehicles can apply with the respective Collectors in Goa to cross the borders. “They will be granted permission within 2-3 hours after making the payment and completing other formalities,” the minister added.
