23 July, 2025
Date: 23 July 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Venue: Conference Hall, Tamil Nadu Labour Welfare Board, Teynampet, Chennai
Chaired by: Principal Secretary / Commissioner of Labour
To strengthen support mechanisms for inter-state migrant (ISM) workers in Tamil Nadu, the State-Level Advisory Committee meeting was held on 23rd July 2025 at the Tamil Nadu Labour Welfare Board. The session, chaired by the Principal Secretary and Commissioner of Labour, brought together officials and representatives from the Labour Department, Revenue, Police, Medical Services, Don Bosco Migrant Services (DBMS), migrant associations from Odisha, Bihar, Bengal, Maharashtra, Northeast, and other key stakeholders.
The meeting aimed to build confidence among migrant workers, address on-ground challenges, and raise awareness about legal rights and services available to them.
Key Highlights:
Low registration rates: Only 10 lakh of the estimated 25 lakh ISM workers in Tamil Nadu are registered.
Lack of awareness: Migrants in informal sectors (salons, hotels, etc.) often lack proper documentation or understanding of the registration process.
Language and communication gaps: Hindi pamphlets, active WhatsApp groups, and multi-language awareness campaigns were suggested.
Health & Emergency Support: Concerns were raised about access to medical care and FIR registration during emergencies.
DBMS Initiatives: Transit homes, free legal aid, tuition centres, and Hindi teachers were recommended to support migrant integration and child education.
Contractor Resistance: Registration challenges were linked to long working hours and high worker turnover.
RPF & Outreach: Railway Protection Force suggested awareness camps at railway stations due to low portal awareness.
Education & Documentation Issues: High dropout rates and fake/duplicate Aadhar concerns were discussed.
Recommendations:
* Conduct quarterly advisory meetings.
* Launch multilingual pamphlets and digital outreach through YouTube and social media.
* Organize awareness drives at railway stations and other transit points.
* Strengthen verification for Aadhar card authenticity.
* Coordinate with local health departments for health camp approvals.
* Prioritize education and language support for migrant children
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhance migrant welfare through collaboration, communication, and targeted interventions.
