ABSTRACT
Until very recently, most Indians were unaware of a statute titled the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979. At the time the Act was introduced, these “dadan” labourers were recruited by contractors to work on large construction projects with no fixed working hours. This chapter examines the provisions of the Act, which could have come to the rescue of these migrants, and looks at some data which will also detail that they are by no means insignificant. From a legal perspective, some course correction can be to share the lessons from the present crises with the standing committee considering the Code or have the issues taken up in Rajya Sabha before it finally becomes a law. Amongst others, what can be incorporated in the chapter proposed for migrant workers are some suggestions of the Aajeevika Bureau. These include schemes like the universalisation of PDS and the elimination of domicility-based eligibility criteria, providing safe and hygienic shelter facilities.
