South Asia Labor Mobility Conference: Odisha Deputy CM Stresses Regional Cooperation for Migrant Worker Welfare

Bhubaneswar: The South Asia Labor Mobility Conference, jointly organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank, concluded a two-day session aimed at strengthening cross-border cooperation to protect and empower migrant workers. Representing India, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister and Chairman of the Task Force for Migrant Workers, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, participated in the conference and held discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Tshering Tobgay, emphasizing the need for collaboration on labor mobility issues across the region.

In his address, Singh Deo underlined that migration is a complex and multifaceted issue that plays a vital role in economic development and individual livelihoods. He pointed out that in India, nearly 10 crore workers migrate every year for short-term employment ranging from one to six months. Referring to census data, he noted that approximately 139 million people have migrated within the country, and many are often deprived of access to essential welfare schemes in their home regions.

Singh Deo highlighted the proactive steps taken by the Government of Odisha to address the challenges faced by migrant workers. He said that 14 districts in Odisha have been identified as migration-prone and that significant measures have been undertaken to regulate informal recruitment practices, eliminate exploitative advance payment systems, enhance awareness for informed migration, and ensure access to skills development and inter-state portability of services. He also spoke about the establishment of migrant labour help desks in various states and the creation of district-level emergency relief funds of ₹15 lakh each to support workers during crises.

He added that the PAReSHRAM portal is providing 67 online services, including migrant worker registration, which has become a key tool in extending the reach of government welfare schemes to the workforce on the move. Singh Deo emphasized that these steps have not only improved the condition of migrant workers in Odisha but have also drawn the attention of the international community.

The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that the South Asia Labor Mobility Conference would serve as a platform to deepen regional cooperation and build shared strategies to address migration challenges. He noted that such initiatives are vital for empowering migrant communities and fostering stronger bonds between nations.

The conference saw participation from leading global and regional economists and policymakers. Notable attendees included Anna Bjerde, Managing Director of Operations at the World Bank; Franziska Ohnsorge, Chief Economist for South Asia; Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa; and Chitra Arumugam, Principal Secretary of Labour and ESI, Government of Odisha. Delegations from Maldives, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Italy, and the Philippines also contributed to the discussions.