The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MARCH 18, 2025
Gram Vikas, in collaboration with the Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID), is making significant strides in ensuring the dignified repatriation of deceased migrant workers while advocating for safer migration, social security, and workers’ rights across Odisha and Kerala.
In a recent case, the organization facilitated the repatriation of 39-year-old Dilip Kumar Jena, a migrant worker from Nayapatna village in Odisha’s Khorda district. Dilip, a daily wage labourer in Kerala, was found deceased at a railway station in Trivandrum. Unable to afford the transportation of his mortal remains, his family sought assistance through the Assistant Labour Officer of Khorda. Leveraging its partnership with CMID, Gram Vikas coordinated the necessary authorizations and arranged for the repatriation. On November 15, 2024, Dilip’s body was transported back to his village, with the District Labour Office (DLO), Khorda, covering the ₹30,000 cost.
Migrant workers from Odisha frequently travel to Kerala and other southern states in pursuit of better wages and improved working conditions. However, they often encounter harsh living conditions, workplace hazards, and inadequate social security, leaving them vulnerable to accidents, illnesses, and untimely deaths. For bereaved families, the financial and legal challenges of repatriating their loved ones add to their grief.
Since 2019, Gram Vikas and CMID have been implementing a corridor-based approach to migration, ensuring that workers’ rights are safeguarded. In 2024 alone, the partnership has supported 35 cases of deceased migrant workers, mobilizing over ₹11 lakhs through employer contributions, government support, and crowdfunding.
Another notable case was that of 40-year-old Tiki Naik, a construction worker from Tuludi village in Ganjam district, who passed away while working in Tamil Nadu on November 17, 2024. As the sole breadwinner, he left behind his pregnant wife, Sunita, and their young daughter. Gram Vikas, in coordination with the DLO Berhampur and Tiki’s employer, arranged for his body to be transported from Chennai to Berhampur and then by ambulance to his village. The ₹32,000 expense was covered through contributions from the employer (₹25,000) and the DLO (₹7,000). Additionally, Gram Vikas facilitated Sunita’s access to social security schemes, including widow pension and food security benefits, ensuring financial stability for the grieving family.
Many migrant workers lack labour cards or insurance coverage, leaving their families without essential support in times of crisis. Gram Vikas is actively working with district labour commissions to raise awareness about safe migration practices and social security entitlements. By strengthening advocacy efforts and mobilizing resources, the organization remains committed to ensuring that no family is left without assistance in their time of need.
