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Ever since the lockdown imposed on March 25 in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the demand for work under MNREGA schemes has increased by 307 per cent in Uttar Pradesh.
Human Liberty Network (HLN), a network of civil society organisations (CSOs), released the findings of a survey conducted in six districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The survey titled ‘Immediate Requirements to Allay Rural Distress and Human Trafficking’, reveals major challenges related to livelihood, access to health services, nutrition and basic needs after migrant workers returned home, that is strongly increasing their vulnerability to rural distress, debt bondage, and human trafficking.
The unemployment rate rose to 23.8 per cent in May 2020. Work demanded under MNREGA has increased by whopping 307 per cent.
The survey mentioned that there is difficulty in accessing benefits under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) as well. It reveals that most children have not been enrolled in Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) leading to cases of malnourishment. UP’s Bhadohi and Prayagraj reported 57 per cent and 44 per cent unenrolled children respectively.
The findings recommend that the state governments should rapidly expand healthcare schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, among the most vulnerable communities to address a key driver of debt bondage i.e. emergency healthcare costs.
The survey states that as Know Your Consumer (KYC) compliance is the biggest reason for poor disbursement of free ration, the identification process of poor families without ration cards should be strengthened.
The impact of COVID-19 and lockdown situation has been most severe on communities that are already disadvantaged and vulnerable to shocks, the survey says.
It recommends that the issues surrounding marginalised communities should be addressed through coordinated efforts.
“The governments should adopt measures for strengthening the accountability of Rozgar Sewaks and improving monitoring mechanisms through door-to-door registration of job cards for returning migrants,” it says.
As a result of the lockdown, Uttar Pradesh was one of the worst affected states due to reverse migration, with over 30 lakh people returning to their native villages in the state.