Rapidly increasing Covid cases across Maharashtra have triggered a migration of workers yet again. Thousands of migrant labourers have left the state fearing another lockdown.
Last year, on 24 March, the Central government had imposed an unprecedented nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus, which brought everything to a standstill. Industries were shut down, trains and flights suspended, and schools and offices were closed. But the worst-affected in this situation were the migrant workers whose vulnerabilities were exposed further by the sudden lockdown.
With Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray’s recent ultimatum to the public and new restrictions like night curfew being imposed in the state, the fear of another lockdown is once again driving workers back to their native villages. A huge crowd was observed at the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, where people seemed set to leave for their hometowns in large numbers.
“Payments are often delayed due to which we fail to pay our rent on time. Returning to my hometown is the only option left,” said Manoj Yadav, a migrant worker. A group of 20 daily wagers were also ready to board a train to their village as they felt there was nothing left for them in the city. “We have seen the first lockdown. We can’t die of hunger now,” said one of them.
With experts predicting the second Covid-19 wave to be deadlier, daily wagers and migrant labourers are more concerned about their livelihoods.
However, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray along with the Maharashtra Covid Taskforce is reviewing the situation. He called for an important meeting in view of the surge in infections across the state. Stringent measures are to be imposed in Maharashtra till 30 April, as was decided at the emergency cabinet chaired by the CM. The cabinet will review the situation on April 15 before taking further decisions.
Meanwhile, night curfew will be put in place from 8 pm to 7 am. Only essential services will be permitted. Restaurants have been permitted to function only for takeaway and parcel services. Office employees have to work from home.
A detailed SOP will be released soon, Maharashtra minister Aslam Shaikh stated.