Bengal Police Start Helpline For Migrant Workers From State Facing Harassment Elsewhere, BJP Slams Move
The West Bengal police have introduced a helpline for migrant workers from the state facing harassment and identity checks elsewhere. Families of migrant workers have been raising concerns about their relatives being detained or questioned while working outside Bengal.
In a social media statement, Bengal police acknowledged the rise in such complaints and issued a call to action.
'If you encounter problems while working in another state, contact the state police helpline. We have received reports about Bengal natives being harassed and detained in other states. Many workers and their families are unaware of how or whom to report these issues to. Therefore, we urge citizens from Bengal, as well as their families, to inform the local police station or district control room immediately. Additionally, we are launching a dedicated helpline at 9147727666, available exclusively via WhatsApp. Users can send their information, including their name and address. Each case will be verified, and we will coordinate with the relevant state authorities to take appropriate action," the department said.
The statement emphasised that while police verification is being streamlined across various states, this helpline will expedite communication and verification processes, facilitating quicker intervention for affected migrant workers.
The Bengal government has been proactive in addressing migrant workers' welfare. A Migrant Workers' Welfare Board exists in the state, with an estimated 22 lakh migrant workers from Bengal across India. However, the current situation involves specific issues related to identity verification, making the police helpline crucial at this moment.
In December 2023, the state government launched the Karmasathi (Parijayee Shramik) initiative, which includes a toll-free helpline (1800-103-0009) and a 24-hour call centre to support migrant workers. This initiative also established registration infrastructure at railway stations and block offices under the Migrant Workers' Welfare Scheme, 2023, to ensure the safety and well-being of workers across the country.
Government sources indicate that the situation calls for immediate action due to the rising instances of harassment and identity checks faced by migrant workers in other states. The police helpline is seen as an essential tool for families to seek immediate help and assistance.
Mamata Banerjee Raises Concerns
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has consistently voiced her concerns about the increasing number of Bengalis allegedly being detained or harassed in various states, particularly those ruled by the BJP. This issue first gained prominence when Bengali workers were allegedly detained in Odisha, accused of being Bangladeshi nationals despite having valid Indian identification. Similar alleged instances have been reported in Haryana, where approximately 237 workers were detained, and in Rajasthan, where between 300 and 400 workers were similarly accused.
Banerjee said, 'Is it a crime to speak in Bengali?" She announced plans to launch a language movement on July 27, starting from Birbhum, to protest against what she describes as a cultural and linguistic assault on Bengali speakers.
BJP Hits Back
The TMC government has strongly criticised the 'ongoing harassment" of Bengali-speaking workers, claiming it is politically motivated. Trinamool leaders argue that this is part of a larger agenda to target Bengalis in BJP-ruled states, aiming to label them as Bangladeshis.
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party has dismissed these claims, accusing the TMC of trying to legitimise Rohingya migrants as potential voters. The BJP argues that the TMC's language movement is a political strategy to garner support among certain voter segments rather than a genuine concern for migrant workers' welfare.
BJP's Suvendu Adhikari said, 'This post is entirely politically motivated. It has been shared to confuse and disturb Bengali people living in different parts of India for work, intending to cause panic. Indian Bengalis and Hindu refugees across India are not facing any problems. However, Hindu Bengalis living in West Bengal often become victims of harassment by the police. To those people and to Indian Hindus coming from other states, no matter what language they speak, if they are residing in any district of West Bengal for work and are harassed by the police (Mamata's police), please send me the details via email. I will provide full assistance. My email ID is – adhikarisuvenduwb1@gmail.com."
'Additionally, I request any concerned citizens of West Bengal, if they come across any Rohingya Muslims or Bangladeshi Muslim infiltrators residing in any district of West Bengal, to kindly send the information to my email ID. I will ensure that this information reaches the proper authorities," he said.
About the Author
Kamalika Sengupta
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women's issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East...Read More
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