By Varghese Alengaden
Indore, Sept 15, 2020: More than 10 million migrant workers traveled back home from various parts of India during the lockdown between March 24 to June 2.
According to an NGO, Save Life Foundation, 198 workers died in different places during their exodus. Yet it was very shocking to know that the Union Labour Ministry stated in the Parliament that it had no data about the death of migrant workers and hence unable to give any compensation.
The whole media were dominated by the stories of hardships and death of migrant workers during their exodus for more than three months. It is ridiculous to hear that the government did not keep any data of the poor laborers who died on the roads and railway tracks. This exposes not only the government’s negligence but its failure to safeguar the dignity of individuals, a Constitutional value.
One gets the impression that in India life of humans has no value. It is treated as the cheapest commodity. Is it because of the large population? Some insensitive persons used to say in their casual conversation, “It is ok that some people die, that way the population will be reduced.” People got used to see thousands die in road accidents, flood, landslides, hunger and various kinds of diseases.
The Coronavirus pandemic kills many thousands these days. Hospitals and government agencies have stopped counting the infected and the dead. One gets the impression that people have lost their sensitivity and value of human lives.
The political leaders and those in the government fail to honor the pledge they have taken to safeguard the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, fraternity and dignity of the individual. The Labour Ministry’s irresponsible statement on migrant workers was a gross violation of its Constitutional duty.
The government, the media and the common people have failed to set the right priorities. The pandemic has exposed the neglect, rather absence, of the healthcare system in the country. Similarly, the infrastructure and quality of education in the rural areas remain poor despite 73 years of independence.
Despite millions of people dying of various diseases and hunger, the government is proud of spending billions of rupees for the purchase of the most sophisticated warplanes and weapons.
Instead of stockpiling weapons and fighter jets why don’t our leaders explore the possibilities of fostering good relations with our neighboring countries? If Germany and France, who were enemies for 300 years, could build lasting friendship, why can’t we build friendship with all our neighbors?
South Korea and Japan have made friendship despite many years of hostility.These countries have experienced economic prosperity and peace because of their cordial relationship.
We should our aggressive hostility to other countries and people of other faith and safeguard the sovereignty of people by ensuring justice, freedom, fraternity and individual dignity. The glory of Mother India lies in preserving the national heritage of pluralism, “Ekam Sat Vipra Bhahuta Vadanti” (“There is only one truth and learned persons call it by many names)” and making India truly, Vasudaiva Kutumbakam’ (universal family).
If leaders and bureaucrats shall keep in mind the talisman of Mahatma Gandhi of safeguarding the interest of “the last and the least” life of every human will be precious. Neither leaders nor bureaucrats would dare to say that they don’t have the data of the dead migrant workers.