TEAM HERALD
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BELGAUM: In a move that could evoke mixed response in Goa, the new deputy commissioner of Belgaum has decided to take steps to prevent the migration of labourers to Goa.
Jayaram’s statement has come at a time when thousands of people from the drought-ridden areas of Raibag, Athani, Gokak, Ramdurg and Bailhongal talukas of Belgaum district are migrating to Goa in large numbers in search of livelihood, which in turn has posed various challenges in Goa.
The Karnataka government had appointed Jayram as the new deputy commissioner of Belgaum, after his predecessor V Anbu Kumar was transferred to Mysore.
“It is painful to see citizens leaving the district in search of livelihood to Goa and other neighbouring areas. The time has come to adopt stringent measures and address the issue. Apart from implementing various development measures, my priority will be to implement various government schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGA) effectively,” Jayram told Herald, immediately after assuming charge as the new deputy commissioner of Belgaum district.
The massive influx of the migrant community from Karnataka into Goa has posed various problems, both for residents of Goa as well as the migrant community. Due to a low standard of living, migrant workers are often accused of various crimes, while children of migrant workers find it difficult to pursue education in the Kannada medium, due to a dearth of Kannada schools in Goa.
“Many other measures, like development of industrial areas in the region, and providing basic amenities like food, water and shelter will be taken up, to stop these workers from migrating to Goa and other areas,” Jayram said.
“A special survey will be also taken up in this regard to ascertain the actual reasons and the rate of migration, after which several measures will be initiated to curb the migration,” he added.
If authorities in Belgaum are successful in implementing measures to hold back the migration of workers, it could have a mixed impact on Goa. While crimes involving migrant workers could be on the decline, the construction industry in Goa could well face an acute shortage of workers, as it is heavily dependent on migrant workers from Belgaum and north Karnataka.
