Chandigarh, May 10 – Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that the contribution of migrant labourers to the progress of the State is significant, which is why during the COVID-19 pandemic the State Government as making arrangements for them to reach their home states on Special Shramik Trains from various railway stations daily in the State.
He informed that today, about 1200 migrant labourers from Rewari have been sent to Katihar (Bihar), more than 1200 have been sent from Rohtak to Araria (Bihar) and about 1200 migrant labourers have been sent to Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh). He said that despite our diversity, we are citizens of the same country and with this sentiment and thought Haryana Government has started sending stranded labourers and other labourers who were keen to return to their home states free of cost. The Chief Minister said that all Indians living in any part of the country are one and it is the responsibility of all of us as Indians to alleviate their sufferings, he added.
Train departed from Rohtak to Araria (Bihar)
More than 1200 migrant labourers stuck in Rohtak and Jhajjar in Haryana have departed for Bihar from the Rohtak railway station today evening. There were a total of 1204 labourers aboard the train out of which 108 labourers came from Rohtak while the remaining came from Jhajjar. The Special Shramik Train which is on its way to Araria (Bihar) has 22 coaches. These labourers belong to Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, and Purnia, he added.
Train departed from Bhiwani to Chhatarpur (Madhya Pradesh)
The migrant labourers who departed from Bhiwani reached the railway station on buses. These labourers who left for their home states belonged to Bhind, Morena, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Rewa, Jabalpur, and other districts. One could see a special happiness on the faces of women and children on the trains. This train from Bhiwani which left for Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh, covering a distance of 754 kms, will reach its destination at 6 am. This train will only stop at Chhatarpur after crossing Rohtak, Delhi, Palwal, and Jhansi.
Train departed from Rewari to Katihar (Bihar)
For the fourth consecutive day the Special Sharamik Train departed from Rewari with about 1200 migrant labourers for Katihar. All the labourers on this train belonged to different districts in Bihar and were working in Rewari.
All essential arrangements were made at the railway stations
The migrant labourers were brought in buses to the Rewari railway station from their shelter homes. All mandatory arrangements were made before the migrant labourers could return to their home states. While on the one hand the train was repeatedly cleaned with vacuum cleaners on the other the other it was ensured that every labourer sanitized his hands. Arrangement of food and water was also made for them. Volunteers were deployed to help seat the labourers in their respective coaches so that they did not face any trouble while doing so.
Haryana Government - A great support in the time of crisis
After taking his seat along with his family in the Special Shramik Train from Rewari to Katihar, Damodar Prasad said that he is very grateful to the Haryana Government which has done a commendable job by helping migrant labourers return to their home states at its own expense. The State Government has also made arrangements for food on the journey as well. Another migrant labourer, Brajesh, said that he is grateful to the Haryana Government for helping agricultural labourers to return to their home states.
Never received so much honour before while going home
Vinod from Tikamgarh and Sunil from Chhatarpur before departing for their home state Madhya Pradesh said that, they had never been treated so nicely and that the officers and officials who arranged for their transport and food epitomized Athithi Devo Bhava.
Another migrant labourer, Rajkumari, said that women and children did not face any problems and were very happy to return home. She prayed to God to always bless Haryana.