Safe Migration Initiative

MIGRATION

THE ENDLESS ROAD

They build our cities, harvest our crops, and run our factories. Yet, Migrant Workers are often the most invisible citizens—living in transit, denied rights, and vulnerable to exploitation.

Migration is not a crime; it is a survival strategy. Whether driven by climate change, poverty, or aspiration, the right to move must be matched with the right to dignity and protection.

SUPPORT THE JOURNEY →WORKER RIGHTS

Part 2: The Scale

India on the Move

Based on Census 2011 & Economic Survey

450M

Internal Migrants

37% of India's population

100M

Circular Migrants

Short-term/Seasonal Labor

Registration

Under ISMWA Act

Top

Corridor

UP/Bihar to Delhi/Mumbai

The "Outsider" Dilemma

When a worker moves from Odisha to Gujarat to cut diamonds, or from Bihar to Punjab to harvest wheat, they become an "outsider." They lose their social network, their voting power (as they are absent from their constituency), and often their access to subsidized food (Ration).

Drivers of Distress

Agrarian Crisis: Failing crops and debt force farmers to become city laborers.
Climate Displacement: Floods in Assam and cyclones in Odisha act as major push factors.
The Urban Pull: The promise of higher daily wages in construction and manufacturing hubs.

ROUTE: UNSAFE

Barriers to Integration

Social Security AccessBlocked

Domicile requirements prevent access to state schemes.

Housing ConditionsSlums

Living in labor colonies with no sanitation.

Financial InclusionImproving

Jan Dhan accounts help, but digital literacy is low.

"Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future."

Part 3: The Law

Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act 1979

The shield against exploitation (often ignored).

Displacement Allowance

Mandatory Payment

Contractors must pay a displacement allowance (50% of monthly wages) and journey fare to workers recruited from another state.

Travel Rights

Code on Social Security 2020

New Reform

Proposes a national database for migrant workers and extends benefits like ESIC (Health) and PF (Pension) to the unorganized sector.

Safety Net

Key Protections

Registration of Contractors

Any contractor employing 5 or more inter-state migrants must be licensed. This creates a paper trail for accountability.

Right to Suitable Accommodation

Employers are legally required to provide decent housing, medical facilities, and protective clothing to migrant laborers.

ONORC (Ration Portability)

"One Nation One Ration Card" allows migrants to buy subsidized food from any Fair Price Shop in India, not just their home village.

Part 4: The Barriers

Why Is The Road Broken?

Invisible Data

Most migration is informal. Without registration, the government doesn't know who needs help or where they are.

Language Barrier

A worker from Bengal in Tamil Nadu cannot read safety signs or legal contracts, leading to exploitation and accidents.

Rental Discrimination

Landlords refuse to rent to migrants or charge exorbitant rates for slums without water or electricity.

Child Education

Children of migrants constantly switch schools or drop out entirely, inheriting their parents' lack of opportunity.

Wage Theft

Contractors often withhold the final month's pay to prevent workers from leaving or returning home.

YOUR ROLE

Help workers register on E-Shram. Treat delivery partners and construction staff with respect.

Part 5: The Response

BRAC BRIDGE PROTOCOL

Connecting the migrant to the mainstream.

1. Identity & Registration

Making them visible.

• E-Shram Drives: Registering workers on the national database for accident insurance.

• ONORC Activation: Helping them link ration cards to their current location.

2. Migration Support Centers

A home away from home.

• Resource Hubs: Physical centers in transit hubs (train stations) offering legal and job advice.

• Helplines: 24/7 support for distress calls.

3. Bridge Schools

Education on the move.

• Mobile Classrooms: Schools that move with construction sites.

• Language Support: Teaching local languages to help children integrate.

4. Financial Inclusion

Secure savings.

• Banking: Opening zero-balance accounts for salary deposits.

• Remittance: Teaching safe ways to send money home without middlemen.

5. Legal Aid

Fighting exploitation.

• Wage Recovery: Representing workers in disputes against contractors.

• Compensation: Filing claims for workplace accidents.

ACTIVATE SUPPORT

Select your impact level. 85% of funds go directly to programs.

IMPACT LEVEL 1

₹500

Provides a "Safety Kit" (Helmet/Gloves) for a construction worker.

DONATE NOW

RECOMMENDED

IMPACT LEVEL 2

₹2,000

Funds legal support to recover unpaid wages for a migrant family.

DONATE NOW

IMPACT LEVEL 3

₹10,000

Runs a "Bridge School" for 20 migrant children for one month.

DONATE NOW

Tax Deductible under Section 80G.

Transparency: You will receive a donation receipt & impact report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is E-Shram?

It is a centralized database of unorganized workers (migrants, construction workers, etc.). Registering provides a Unique ID and access to social security schemes like accident insurance.

Can I get rations in another state?

Yes. Under the "One Nation One Ration Card" (ONORC) scheme, you can use your existing Ration Card to buy subsidized food from any Fair Price Shop in India using Aadhaar biometrics.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. BRAC is registered under Section 80G. You will receive a tax exemption certificate via email within 7 days.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws may vary by location. BRAC is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences arising from its use. BRAC® is a registered trademark. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in