Category: Activities
Mail from IGFP to Union Labour Secretary enclosing recommendation of VC panel discussion on migrant workers on 15th May 2020
From:-bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Thu, May 28, 10:55 PM </focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
To secy-labour, hshso, Irudaya, rama, Virjesh, Subhash, Ravi, Ramesh, Principal, soz-1, ceo-niti, panchanan.kanungo, B.N, Partha, Karl-Heinz, bcc: Malay, bcc: Ashok, bcc: som, bcc: subhashis, bcc: NP, bcc: Madanmohan, bcc: Dr, bcc: Mousumi, bcc: Ravi, bcc: Dibakar, bcc: saroj
Respected Samariya Saheb ( Union Labour Secretary )
May I take this opportunity to refer to IGFP Mail lying with your kind-self regarding VC Oriented Panel Discussion on Migrant Workers coordinated by Indo German Focal Point @ Bhubaneswar,Odisha on 15th May 2020.
The Objective of the Panel Discussion was to discuss Challenges & Solutions in the backdrop of Present Pandemic Situation involving Migrant Workers both @ Host & Home states- to bring A Framework of Suggestions to provide /assist Inputs for MOL with coordination of MOH to prepare A Remedial Long Term/Short Term Plan/ SOP.
Your kind self will be glad to know the Panel Discussion was Moderated by Mr. B. N. Som,Former Secretary to Govt & Former CPFC to MOL with Panelists from TUs, Employers, Former Senior Officers from MOL, Professor from CDS Trivandrun & Kalyani University,Kolkata with International Speaker Mr. Karl H Noetel, Senior Adviser DGUV & President ISSA Construction from Germany which is supporting OSH Activities of IGFP in India.
I have the hon-our to forward herewith Proceedings & Recommendations ( 1) & Material for SOP in the context of COVID 19 with request to consider the Recommendations/ Material for SOP which may benefit Migrant Workers as well as effective respective Role Define of Stakeholders, Namely- Govt Of India & States- both Home & Host States.
We Panelists with the Moderator have tried to keep the Recommendations Practical & Enforceable, keeping in view the Experience & Expertise of Panelists as Former Bureaucrats/ National TUs/ OSH activists & Academicians from Pan India.
We would be obliged if your kind-self respond to our Suggestions as a part of Teamwork & Motivation involving Panelists & Participants.
2. I also take this opportunity to enclose herewith A Video Prepared by IGFP, taking into account Stress/ Emotional /Business requirements of Migrant Workers with Focus on Return to their work which may be useful to replicate with support of MOH & Niti Ayog to whom ,copy of this mail are sent also.
With Cheers & Regards,
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner ESIC, MOL,
Now Director @ Indo German Focal Point- Prevention & Social Security
Visit Our Website to Know Us & Our activitie – www.indogermanfocalpoint.com,
Mobile-9818098844
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Re Proceedings of Seminar on Migrant Labour-15/5/20
From – B.N Som
to me, Karl-Heinz, Partha, rama, Virjesh, Subhash, Malay, N, R.S.
Dear Mr. Sahoo,
I have made a report on the panel discussion on migrant workers held on 15th May 2020. I have listed 11 recommendations made by the panelists.
Regarding the SOP sent by Mr Mitra I have the following suggestion to make. The suggested SOP is basically on the value of hand hygiene and facilities at the quarantine centers. The point to consider is if for COVID 19 pandemic is not a recurring matter and the Government of India, as well as the State Governments, having issued instructions in this regard do we need to go into that?
I would, therefore, request you as follows:-
We better send to the Ministry of Labour our recommendations on the migrant issues which are a recurrent feature of our life and the other thing being transient and once in a blue moon variety we may not work into that side.
I suggest that you visit MHA website to see the advisory on migrants.
I am attaching two files containing Seminar proceedings and the recommendation/important takeaways.
Yours sincerely,
Regards,
B N Som ACIArb (UK)
Secretary to GOI(retd)
Vice-Chairman,CAT(retd)
Ph: 9433046971
IMPORTANT TAKEWAYS
At the end we may sum up the following suggestion made at the seminar on making life of the migrant better.
- Implementation of the provision of Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, 1979 as also the Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996 likely to be subsumed in the ensuing Labour Code on Social Security.
- Compulsory registration of each worker both in the home State or host State; in host State the old number recorded at the home state should be honoured for continuity in membership
- Each worker to be given an identity card on registration for the first time and he should carry the same at new job for getting due benefits.
- Preparing Aadhar based platform for tracking and tracing of the migrant worker anytime ,anywhere.
- Contractor who recruits the migrant worker should be made responsible to ensure his wellbeing at the host state.
- Inspector should visit host state from time to time to ensure that the provisions of the Act are being adhere to.
- Migrant workers to be paid for minimum 6 months by way of financial support over and above free ration now being made available.
- All the measures announced by the Government of India ,like,one ration card one nation, affordable rental housing at the place of work etc. should be implemented.
- Each Board of Construction Workers should play an active role to justify its existence and to be of support to the worker in time of need.
- Work sites should have sufficient arrangement for handwashing.
- Each State should build up database for all migrant workers.
VC Panel Discussion on Migrant Workers- Challenges & Solutions for Formulating A SOP in Pandemic Situation in India coordinated by IGFP with Technical Support of KDC Technologies
Panel Discussion on Migrant workers through a webinar held on 15-5-2020 @ 12.30 pm
Coordinated by Indo-German Focal Point with Technical Support of KDC Technologies
SOP BASED ON IGFP PANEL DISCUSSION ON MIGRANT WORKERS HELD ON 15-5-2020
The Panelists participating in the panel discussion through a webinar held on 15-5-2020 expressed deep concern on the plight of the migrant workers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was felt that a SOP was urgently required to be prepared and referred to the central and state governments for its implementation.
The following are the salient features of the SOP which the panelists wished to bring to the notice of the government both at the centre and states:-
1. There was an immediate need to ensure that the migrant workers, who could not go home since the national lockdown was declared on March25,2020 and who wished to return home be facilitated in doing so in a coordinated way with railways and state transport authorities, so that they are not forced to either walk or take private transport at exorbitant costs.
2.The panel also felt that there was also an immediate need render cash assistance of Rs 10,000 a month for next three months for those registered workers under the BOCW act or having Jandhan/MGNREGA accounts, since they have not been paid wages ever since the lockdown began on March,25,2020
3. Ordinances suspending labour laws by many state governments which inter-alia resulted in extension of daily working hours from 8 to 12 may be immediately withdrawn as it was contrary to the ILO conventions of which India was a signatory , domestic labour legislations and also detrimental to the occupational safety, health, and life of workers.
4. All help and coordination to be done by the central and state governments to ensure that the migrant workers faced no hardship in meeting their food requirements in transit and should be served with wholesome food during their journey back home which may be adjusted in their journey fare and no extra cost be paid by them for food.
5. Enforcement of the Interstate Migrant workers Act, 1979 (ISMW) be strongly be done as the panel strongly felt that much of the problems of the migrant workers would not have arisen to the extent it was witnessed post lockdown after March ,25,2020,had the ISMW Act was enforced since its inception in the right spirit in keeping with the intent of the Act. All provisions of the ISMW Act ,1979 be retained, given the vulnerable conditions of the migrant workers, in the Code on Occupational Safety , Health and Working conditions,2019 presently under the consideration of the parliament.
6. A coordination committee be formed with representatives of the centre, originating and receiving states for stricter enforcement of ISMW Act.
7 The panel felt strongly on the absence of data of migrant workers and therefore urged the central and the state governments to immediately introduce a system where all migrants, even those not covered by establishments covered by the ISMW Act, are registered so that the migrant workers get the benefit of welfare schemes of the governments.
8. The panel noted with concern the hardships which migrant workers faces while returning to states and desired that a humane approach be adopted towards them in the quarantine centres as soon as they reach their home states with certain basic facilities at these quarantine centres to be provided as under:
8.1Hand Hygiene
(a)It is one of the important practices to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. It includes hand washing with soap and water, and use of alcohol-based products. 1) Hand Washing (takes about 40-60 seconds) with soap and water.
(b)Cleaning hands with alcohol-based products that do not require water. (takes about 20 seconds) Use alcohol-based sanitiser/rub with 60% alcohol content
8.2 Other Health Measures
(a) Focus on keeping a routine for yourselves while in isolation
(b) Do physical exercises and practice relaxations exercises
(c)Keep a safe distance, from the persons. ·
8.3 Facilities at Quarantine Centre
All persons in quarantine centres shall be encouraged to remain in contact with their family members through phone to avoid anxiety and stress. Phone charging points shall be provided at these centers in adequate numbers. Access control shall be enforced at the quarantine center.
8.4a) All quarantined persons will undergo daily medical examination for appearance of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19.
b) The migrant workers will be provided triple layer medical mask and sensitized on
(i) How to use and dispose off mask.
(ii) Washing hands frequently.
(iii) Following respiratory etiquettes (coughing/sneezing into tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow).
(iv) Maintaining at least 1 meter distance from each other.
(v) To report on symptoms of fever/cough/breathing difficulty.
c) Those during the course of their stay are found to be symptomatic for COVID-19 shall be referred to designated COVID-19 hospital for isolation and testing. They will be managed as per guidelines on management of COVID-19 cases
(available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/GuidelinesonClinicalManagementofCOVID1912020. pdf)
and discharged as per discharge policy
(available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Corona%20Discharge-Policy.pdf)
and brought to quarantine center.
d) If the person tests positive, all his close contacts shall be segregated and tested as per ICMR testing guidelines.
(Available at: https://icmr.nic.in/sites/default/files/upload_documents/2020-03- 20_covid19_test_v3.pdf)
e) Special care shall be taken with regards to vulnerable groups including children, pregnant women, elderlies and those with co-morbidities.
f) In addition to medical care for COVID-19, routine healthcare needs (particularly provision for reproductive care, treatment of Non communicable diseases etc.) shall be attended to. For such purpose a medical team from the nearest hospital will visit/camp at quarantine facility.
g) A psycho-social team would visit all such facilities to address psycho-social issues if any.
h) An ambulance will remain stationed at the quarantine center to attend to any medical emergencies and referral of suspect patients.
i) To create awareness among people being quarantined, IEC material will be displayed at multiple prominent locations at quarantine centers. This shall also be addressed by interpersonal communication.
j) Clean beddings and fresh linen will be provided to the quarantined persons
k) All frequently touched surfaces will be disinfected twice a day with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. Floors will be mopped daily with household cleaning agent and 1% sodium hypochlorite solution. For detailed information Guidelines on disinfection of common public places are available at: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesondisinfectionofcommonpublicplacesinclud ingoffices.pdf
l) All waste shall be segregated and disposed off as per bio-medical waste management rules 2016. The agency providing bio-medical waste disposal at the nearest hospital will be tasked for waste disposal.
m) Prior to their final discharge from the quarantine facility, a record shall be created of their names, mobile numbers, places likely to visit in next 14 days.
8.5 Brief the migrant workers during their stay at the quarantine centres about the steps state governments have taken for financial and other relief including jobs that they may get by maintaining social distancing, hygiene and health measures.
8.6 Central and state skill development missions and corporations to give special exposure to them for short term skill building courses that would enable them to get wage employment and self employment.
8.7 Special sessions may be held for the migrant workers during their stay at quarantine centres to explain the facilities announced in the stimulus packages announced by the central government as also the relief measures announced by state government and the benefits that would accrue to them for free food grains, Mudra loans, loans for street vendors and other livelihood opportunities that are likely to be created as a result of stimulus measures. Then lead banks and the convener banks of the State Level Bankers’ Committee(SLBC) may specifically activated by the state government and the Department of Financial Services (DFS)of the Ministry of Finance may be requested to issue special directions to the state governments to render all financial assistance through NABARD, commercial banks, regional rural banks(RRBs) and cooperative banks.
8.8 At the end of the quarantine period , the state government to make necessary arrangements for the safe journey to their village homes from the quarantine centres.
8.9 Special Counseling -Cum-Escort Service Centres be set up by state governments at all district headquarters to facilitate registration and also advise migrant workers on ways to restart their activities after coming back to their villages, either for wage employment or self employment. the National skill development agencies along with state skill development agencies will also participate in these the special counseling-cum-Escort Centres to render skill development training for the migrant workers.
8.10 NABARD , banks, RRBs and cooperative banks may in coordination with state governments also participate in the Special Counseling-cum escort Centres at the district headquarters to provide the necessary financial assistance to restart the activities.
8.11. In work place regular thermal scanning will be beneficial.
8.11 Action Points -Migrant Labour
- DATA BANK on the extent, nature and magnitude of internal/external migration
- Identify opportunities for alternate income generation to provide round the year employment opportunities to workers of the migration-prone localities;
- Creation of Migration Support Centres;
- Migration Services in a structured manner (Strict enforcement of Law).
- Skill up-gradation of migrant labours;
- 100% National Portability.
Anchor-
Mr. B.N. som – Former Secretary to Govt of India & Former CPFC
Panelist –
- Prof. Karl H. Noetel, Senior Advisor DGUV & President iSSA Construction,
- Mr. Partha Mitra- Former SEA to MOL,
- Mr. R. C. Khuntia, Former MP & VP INTUC @ National Level,
- Mr. Subhash Bhatnagar- Chairman/Convenor NCCL, Delhi
- Prof Rajan Irudiyum, Centre of Development Studies
- Dr. Malay Pradhan, GM ODMA
Coordinator
Mr. B. K. SAHU, Director IGFP-
The Above Panel was assisted by Mr. Ravi Somani Entrepreneur, Mr. N. P. Samy TU from Bangalore & Prof Subhasis Sahu, Kalyani University, Kolkotta with Technical support of KDC Technologies Pvt Ltd.
Compiled by the Panellists with the Anchor & IGFP
Mail ID : Focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com
Website ; www.indogermanfocalpoint.com
Release of 7th Issue of IGfP Newsletter
Panel Discussion on Migrant Workers – 15/5/2020 Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Panel Discussion on Migrant Workers
Discussion Title:
Panel discussion on Migrant workers – Issues/challenges and solutions to evolve SOP for Govt. of India and State Govt. In the backdrop of Pandemic situations/Natural Disaster
Date: 15/5/2020
Time: 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm
Meeting Host Location: Indo German Focal Point
Meeting Host: Mr. B.N Som, Former Secretary to Govt. of India/CPFC
Meeting Invitation Letter:
Dear Friends and Colleagues
You are invited to join as a participant in the Panel Discussion on Migrant Workers.
When: May 15, 2020 12:30 PM India (IST)
Register in advance for this Meeting form the link By Pressing CTrl + Click
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUof–trT8oE9V5sm6DaJIYKDB-MJJw_c4D
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Kindly note that, you can only join the meeting from the confirmation Email link.
IGFP Support with Relief Materials during Lockdown April 2020
From: Kdc Technologies <kdc@kdc-technologies.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 10:09 PM
Subject: thank you for your benevolent initiative
To: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Dear Sir
Thank you very much for kind support in distribution of daily essentials and food relief to daily wagers by Indo German Focal Point (IGFP) in financial collaboration with SGK Foundation volunteered by KDC Foundation and PICUC.
Amidst the pandemic lockdown, Indo German Focal Point took up the initiative to distribute food and daily essentials to the worst impacted labour colonies of Godibari area, Chandaka, Khordha Odisha on 27/4/2020.
Among the prominent associates in the noble cause were SGK Foundation supporting the campaign with financial aid whereas KDC Foundation and PICUC volunteered in identifying, organising and in distribution of relief items to the needy who are struggling to make their living under the lockdown constraints.
Each family was supplied with a week of ration containing Atta, Chudwa, Soap, Sugar, Dal, Salt and Biscuits. The campaign was successfully concluded by the representatives with an extensive session to the audiance on precautionary measures to be followed against COVID-19 and the importance of maintaining hygiene.
With Kind Regards
Dibakar Sahoo
(Business Head)
KDC Technologies
(Kalinga Development Consulting and Technologies Pvt. Ltd
Basundhara Commercial Block
Bhubaneswar-751010 Odisha India
Web: www.kdc-technologies.com Email: kdc@kdc-technologies.com
ISsA Vision Zero Website giving IGFP Activities
20 March 2020 India: Odisha government issues guidelines for worksites
The state government on Wednesday asked the management of various factories, plants as well as contractors to strictly follow its guidelines for workplaces and construction sites where work from home for the workers is not possible. The managements of several factories and contractors have been asked to encourage their workers to wash their hands with soap and alcohol-based hand rubs frequently and thoroughly. The guidelines were issued by N Thirumala Naik, the state director of factories and boilers and also the labour commissioner. He asked the management of factories to stay at home if they are unwell or down with flu-like symptoms. To minimize contact among the workers, the employers have been asked to explore flexible working hours and instructions have also been issued to sensitize them to not spit in public places and to cover their nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue paper while sneezing and coughing.
Email to Union Labor Secretary for stranded Migrant workers
From: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Date: Sat 18 Apr, 2020, 12:11 PM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Your article
To: <secy-labour@nic.in>
Cc: Shri Vipul Mittra <secled@gujarat.gov.in>, mani s <manifabkerala@yahoo.com>, Secretary Labour <secy-labour@karnataka.gov.in>, <labour-wb@gov.in>, <labsec@tn.gov.in>, Principal Secretary Labour Department <labsec.or@gmail.com>, Labour Commissioner Punjab <lcpboffice@gmail.com>, Secretary Cell Labour Jharkhand <secylabour.jhr@gmail.com>, <seclab-bih@nic.in>, <secy-letf@ap.gov.in>, Ashok Kumar, IAS, Secretary to Government (Revenue / Relief – cum – Rehabilitation / Local Administration) <secycoop.pon@nic.in>, RAJESH KUMAR <psec.labour@maharashtra.gov.in>, <pslabour@mp.gov.in>, Virjesh Upadhyay <v62upadhyay@gmail.com>, rama chandra khuntia <rckhuntia@gmail.com>, <ceo-niti@gov.in>, <amitabh.kant@nic.in>
Respected Samariya Saheb,
( Union Labour Secretary )At the outset Let me express our sincere thanks for both Central & State Governments doing everything to Minimize effect of Epidemic Coronavirus in our country.While appreciating the above good efforts of both Government & Non-Government Institutions & Individuals in an unprecedented crisis facing the World as such, we cannot ignore the Plight of Migrant Workers stranded in Lakhs in Host States like Kerala, Gujurat, Maharastra & Tamilnadu Karnataka from Home States like Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhatisgarhg & West Bengal. While Model State like Gujurat going all out to provide Labour Camps & Food Camps including the service of Psychiatrist for Mental state of Migrant Workers, we have also the ugly situation @ Mumbai with Migrant Workers storming to Railway station to get back to their home states.Keeping in view these factual position and that 21 days Quarantine period is almost over, Indo German Focal Point ( iGFP ) in consultation with Former& Present Civil Servants & Public Figures including Social Activists have drawn up An Action Plan for ” Migrant Workers- Immediate Short Term & Long Term Strategy for consideration by Ministry of Labour in consultation with our Learned State Labour Departments for consideration which is sent herewith please.
Two immediate solutions & One Long Term Solution for stranded Migrant Workers in Host States1. Labour department of each Home State opening Help Centre at Host State where migrant workers are stranded to oversee food shelter and heath including Psychiatric personel with Yoga ISM Facility in coordination with Labour department of Host State. It is gratifying to learn that Host state like Gujurat have opened hundred of Labour Camps & Food Camps for stranded Migrant Workers @ Surat with Team consisting of Doctor, Paramedical staff & Psychiatrist ect which can be A Good-practice for similar Arrangement by other states.2. Arrangements of Transport to get back migrant workers from Host States to Home States with Support of Railways and Helpdesk/Facilitation Centre of Home state as one time measure with Local Labour officer taking care of Quarantine requirements with Health-team in position3. Immediate opening Functional Small Medium Tiny Industries, particularly having good number of Migrant Workers like in Surat & Mumbai to get the workers to work, thereby redusing rushing to home state for now4. Long term Solution in creating Data base of Migrant workers with their family dependents ( Details like Trade, their educational/professional qualification, number of years as Migrant worker & in which states till date ect and status of Coverage under any social security Insurance Scheme ect could be captured in Data Bank with use of IT Solution both @ Home & Host States
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner, EsIC, MOL,Communication Adviser to IRDA,Now Director @IGFP- Prevention & Social SecurityView expressed are Personal
Need for workshop/seminar with focus on Epidemic Corona Virus effect for migrant workers supported by IGFP
From: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Apr 8, 2020 at 10:07 PM
Subject: Fwd: Workers and Coronavirus effect-Need for Workshop/Seminar with Focus on Epidemic Effect for Migrant workers
To: <srinivasanaidu1111@gmail.com>
Cc: <ajaytewari93@nic.in>, <obocwwboard@yahoo.com>, <labcom.orissa@gmail.com>, <karl-heinz.noetel@bgbau.de>, Mousumi Padhi <mousumi@xshrm.edu.in>, B.N Som <bn_som@yahoo.com>, Virjesh Upadhyay <v62upadhyay@gmail.com>, rama chandra khuntia <rckhuntia@gmail.com>, <soz-1@newd.diplo.de>, Occupational safety & Health <director.osh@kiit.ac.in>
Dear Naidu Garu,(Chairman, Central Building Construction Board, MOL )As you may be aware, Indo German Focal Point ( IGfP ) with support of DGUV, BGBAU & BGEtEM ( German Social Accident Insurance ) having MOU with DGFASLI, MOL has been taking up OSH Activities in India since 2017 through International/National Symposium, Street Plays, Song Video Contest on OSH & through Publications etc with the help of Labour departments of States .In fact IGFP with support of our German Partner is in touch with Odisha Construction Board for having A Migrant Workers Workshop/Seminar @ Bhubaneswar in April 2020 but due to Coronavirus Lock down , it stands postponed.Keeping in view the challenges now being faced by Migrant Construction Workers in view of Unprecedented Epidemic now, it has assumed more importance to have A Workshop/Seminar with Focus on Natural Disaster like Cyclone & Coronavirus like situations- Issues & Solution.I would like to have the support of Central Building Advisory Board & DG Welfare for organizing the proposed workshop @ Bhubaneswar ASAP.Kindly confirm with request to make Odisha Construction Board as Nodal Organisation to have the proposed Workshop/Seminar.I am enclosing herewith our Brochure ect for you kind perusal,With Cheers & Regards,B. K. Sahu,Former Insurance Commissioner,ESIC,MOL,Now Director @ Indo German Focal Point ( IGFP )- Prevention & Social Secuity,Mobile 9818098844,
———- Forwarded message ———
From: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Apr 8, 2020 at 9:27 PM
Subject: Workers and Coronavirus effect-Need for Workshop/Seminar with Focus on Epidemic Effect for Migrant workers
To: <obocwwboard@yahoo.com>
Cc: <labcom.orissa@gmail.com>, <secy-labour@nic.in>, <ajaytewari93@nic.in>, Virjesh Upadhyay <v62upadhyay@gmail.com>, rama chandra khuntia <rckhuntia@gmail.com>, <karl-heinz.noetel@bgbau.de>, <soz-1@newd.diplo.de>, LALIT GABHANE <dgoffice@nsc.org.in>
40 Crore(400 Million) unorganized workers in India are suffering due to Coronavirus because of Lockdown,990percecet of total Workforce in India). 18crores(180 Million) will lose job as per ILO Report reported by Kanak TV,Odisha today8th April 2020Let us organize Migrant workers Workshop with Focus on Coronavirus Effect and Impact- Issues and Solutions, Immediate Short Term and Long Term solutionsThis is with reference to our proposed Workshop /Seminar for Migrant workers in April 2020with Support of Odisha Construction Board and DGUV/BGBAU Germany with coordination of IGFPWith CheersSahuStay Home,Work from Home and Stay Safewww.indogermanfocalpoint.com
From: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 at 10:57 AM
Subject: Re: Workers and Coronavirus effect-Need for Workshop/Seminar with Focus on Epidemic Effect for Migrant workers
To: .NEWD SOZ-1 Felder-Roussety, Timotheus <soz-1@newd.auswaertiges-amt.de>
Cc: <ajaytewari93@nic.in>, <vedurlapally.naidu@gov.in>, <srinivasanaidu1111@gmail.com>, <obocwwboard@yahoo.com>, <labcom.orissa@gmail.com>, Virjesh Upadhyay <v62upadhyay@gmail.com>, rama chandra khuntia <rckhuntia@gmail.com>, B.N Som <bn_som@yahoo.com>, Mousumi Padhi <mousumi@xshrm.edu.in>, <karl-heinz.noetel@bgbau.de>
Dear Mr. Timotheus,,( Social & Labour Welfare, German Embassy Delhi,)Thanks for response involving proposed Workshop/Seminar involving Migrant Workers in April 2020 which is in the Planned Activities of IGFP for 2020. In-fact we had started initial Liaison with Odisha Construction Board/ Labour Commissioner Odisha including booking of Venue @ Bhubaneswar but due to Shutdown/Lock-down, it stands postponed in consultation with Prof. Noetel who alngwith Mrs. Kristina Eger were to attend.It has to be planned out once again for which my yesterday mail to Central Board of Construction Board is the First Step to plan the Proposed Program, copy of which has been endorsed to all concerned .It will take time but not impossible once situation in India/Odisha gets normalized.Since you represent German Embassy involving Labour Issues & you have been supporting IGfP Activities on oSH, i would request you to be in touch/talk with Mr. Ajay Tiwari,IAS who is the DG of Labour Welfare in MOL overseeing Construction Board Activities for Pan India to whom i have sent my yesterday mail to Chairman Central Board & endorsing this mail also. His Mobile No is 967800977. Your intervention through briefing about IgfP/ DGUV Activities in India & your support for the Proposed Workshop will surely bring MOL( Labour Welfare ) to be A Partner in arranging this Program @ Bhubaneswar ASAP.Looking forward to your Confirmation,With Cheers,Sahu,IGFP, Mobile 9818098844Stay Home, Work from Home & Stay Safe
IGFP Activities to support Prevention of Coronavirus in India
D.O No 1/ IGFp/2020 Dated 2nd April2020
From:
Mr. B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner,ESIC, MOL,
Now Director of Indo German Focal Point ( IGFP )- Prevention & Social Security
To
Mr. Amitabh Kant,
CEO, NITI Aayog,
Sansad Marg,
New- Deli-110001.
Dear Mr. Amitabh Kant ( CeO, NITI Aayog )
Kindly refer to your DOAI/Misc2020Adminii dated 30th March 2020 regarding outbreak of Worldwide Pandemic Corona virus & India taking challenge in fighting this dreaded disease with all it”s Might- Government & Civil Society working together. IGFP joins in extending it’s Expertise & Experience in doing it”s Bit in this National Cause. I am taking this opportunity to elucidate IGFP activities since the Lock down was declared by our Hon. PM till date with Prevention as our Primary Focus of our Campaign in reaching to People. The Flyer prepared on Prevention is enclosed herewith
Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Social Security (SS) are two areas of immense importance for enhancing welfare of workers both in the formal and informal sectors. This is articulated in IlO/ISSA Vision Zero Goal in terms of no accident and death in workplace, whose promotion in India through continuous awareness generation and capacity building is being implemented by Indo German Focal Point (IGFP), functioning since 2017 with its headquarter at Bhubaneswar (Odisha) with strong support of DgUV ( German Social Accident Insurance ) & its Other Arms- BGBAU & BGETEM, Germany. IGFP Brochure 2020 on our main activities so far is enclosed for your kind information.
Presently the entire world is suffering from COVID-19 which has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). All countries, including India, are trying their best to overcome its ill effects. Because of the seriousness of the situation India has taken recourse to imposing 21-day lockout. It has affected our entire population and economy, but among the worst affected segments come unorganized workers, especially those who are migrants. Fight against COVID-19 in India requires consolidated action by all stakeholders -Governments, enterprises, organizations, civil society and individuals. In his direction IGFP has already following steps:
1. On IGFP’s request, Construction Companies are offering helping hand to its construction workers engaged directly or indirectly through contractors, which should motivate Odisha based Construction Association and Utkal Chamber of Commerce (UCC) like organizations to rise to the occasion.
2. IGFP has requested Union Labour Secretary to hold a video conference with Labour Secretaries of all State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to provide food, shelter and medical help to migrant workers stranded due to national lockout. ( Copy Enclosed). Infact Mr. Vrijesh Upadhya National Secretary BmS has been kept on loop requesting his intervention or such response from MOL.
3.In response to SOS message received from President, Indian National Trade Union Congress regarding urgent need to help Odia migrant workers stranded at Bangalore, Labour Commissioner, Karnataka was requested by IGFP to intervene. It received prompt response including from Police Commissioner,Bhubaneswar,Odisha ( Copy of relevant Messages enclosed).
4.IGFP had suggested that funds lying with State Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Boards may be utilized for providing relief to building and construction workers. An Advisory to this effect has already been issued by the Ministry of Labour& Employment & it is gratifying to note here Hon. CM of Odisha responded promptly in sanctioning of immediate relive to construction workers in Odisha, close to 22 Lakhs such workers in distress now. Copy of IGFP Mail to labour Commissioner & Hon. CM Odisha Publicity are enclosed herewith for ready reference
5. As a part of our CSR Activity ,IGFP has also taken up distribution of Mask, Detergent & Few Grocery items for Aging Population @ Khurda District of Odisha in collaboration with our Website Partner KDC Technology etc.
6. most importantly IGFP promptly rose to the call of both Hon. PM & Hon.CM for Lock down by closing it’s Office & making we all work from Home.
NITI Aayog is among the highest policy making bodies in India. I am sure it is making its yeomen contribution by making effective policy prescriptions as well as involving all stakeholders to fight against COVID 19. IGFP would consider it a privilege if NITI Commission considers to associate it in this endeavor, for which I can be personally contacted.
Thanking you.
Encl: As above
With Cheers & Regards,
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner,EsIC,MOL,
Now Director @ iGFP-Prevention & Socil Security,Vsit our Website @ www.indogermanocalpoint.com
From: Amitabh Kant <amitabh.kant@nic.in>
Date: Mon, Apr 6, 2020 at 3:19 PM
Subject: Re: Fwd: DO to NITI Ayog
To: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Dear Mr. Sahu,
Thanks for your inputs. Greatly appreciate it.
Regards, Amitabh Kant
Activities of IGFP on Migrant Workers & Construction Workers during Lockdown Period
Meeting with DHS Odisha offering Awareness Door to Door program Preventive Activities
Dear Dr. Mohapatra (DHS,
Odisha Government)
Thanks for sparing Sometime for our meeting today FN Involving Indo German Focal Point (IGFP) offer to have an awareness program on CORONA VIRUS for Residents of Bapujinagar, Bhubaneswar.
I took the opportunity to introduce our Activities on Occupational safety & Health (OSH )with Support of DGUV,Germany & Labour Departments of State Governments to carry programs in states.
Keeping in view the need to assist odisha Government to tackle CORONA Virus, IGFP has decided to take up door to door awareness Publicity ” dos & don;t of Corona Virus
As Assured by you,Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty (Directer Public Health & Dr. Rama Chandra Routh of Directer of Nursing will be Consulted to confirm us how to go about the program & Required Support from DPH Govt. of Odisha. Resident Welfare Association of Bapujinagar will assist us.
I am enclosing herewith Publicity Theme Developed by IGFP for Use @ your end please.
looking forward to your positive response
With Cheers,
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner,ESIC, MOL,
Now Director IGFP,
Mobile 9040590798
www.indogermanfocalpoint.com
Taking up with Labour Commissioner Odisha and Union Labour Secretary for immediate relief for construction workers
Fwd: Financial & Heath support to Registered Workers & Their Families of State Construction Board
———- Forwarded message ———
From: bimal sahu <focalpointindia.dguv@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, Mar 21, 2020, 9:47 AM
Subject: Financial & Heath support to Registered Workers & Their Families of State Constuction Board
To: <labcom.orissa@gmail.com>
Cc: <secy-labour@nic.in>, Principal Secretary Labour Department <labsec.or@gmail.com>, <obocwwboard@yahoo.com>, <prisecy_letf@telangana.gov.in>, Shri Vipul Mittra <secled@gujarat.gov.in>, <labour-wb@gov.in>, jawaid akhtar <labourcommissionerwb@gmail.com>, <labsec@tn.gov.in>, Labour Commissioner Punjab <lcpboffice@gmail.com>, Secretary Labour <secy-labour@karnataka.gov.in>, LALIT GABHANE <dgoffice@nsc.org.in>, <prisecy_indu@ap.gov.in>, Director of Factories & Boilers, KERALA <director@fabkerala.gov.in>, <seclab-bih@nic.in>
Dear Dr. Naik, Labour Commissioner / Secretary Odisha Construction Board,
Kindly refer to unprecedented social & economic effect of Coronavirus in our Country/ Odisha. While the various Preventive measures both by State & Central Governments are laudable,
most hit are Unorganized Workers/ Daily Wagers engaged in Construction & other Sectors in Cities & Panchayat Areas. With no wok due to closure by Employers & partially by Government like Municipal Corporation ect to avoid congregation , May i request you to immediately provide Financial Relieve to Registered Workers in State Construction Board- Odisha claiming to be A Model State & accordingly can be A Game Changer in providing Financial & Medical help to Registered Construction & Other Building Workers in the State- thereby saving their Livelihood, besides pumping money /Demand in the Economy.
Kindly do the the needful on urgent basis ,
I am endorsing this mail to Union Labour Secretary with request to issue A Suitable Guidelines for All Construction Boards in States, Huge Construction Cess Fund Laying unutilized with State Boards can be best utilized @ this time of National Tragedy.
With Cheers,
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner, ESIC, MOL,
Now Director @ Indo German Focal point- Prevention & Social Security
bimal sahu
Respected Samariya Saheb,Union Labour Secretary,Govt of India
While appreciating your concern for workers in our country during this time of National Epidemic Coronavirus, I am forwarding herewith mail ,requesting your personal attention to mitigate plight of Construction workers registered with State Construction Board for providing immediate relief in Financial and Health care Facilities out of Cess Fund Lying unutilized in state boards.
Kindly pray your kind self personal intervention,
With personal regards,
B.k.sahu
Former Insurance commissioner ESIC MOL
Now Director of IGFP
Mob 9818098844
bimal sahu
Mar 30, 2020, 9:47 AM
Respected Samariya Saheb ( Union Labour Secretary )
I am sending this mail out of Anguish & Concern for Million of Migrant workers now stranded @ various states as reported widely by tPrint & Visual Channels & importantly in Todays Indian Express-expressing grave concern to focus on Saving life of these Distressed Migrant Workers who till yesterday were the mainstay of Industrial & Social Sectors of our Society of of Host States.
In above perspective i request your kindself immediate intervention by holding A Video Conference with All Labour Secretary of States- expressing Central Govt concern of Distress Migrant Workers & requesting Host States to immediately save their Lives by proving Food & Shelter,
Self Regulation by Individuals through Lockdown imposed by Central/State governments & Calling Private Industries/Individuals for Helping Hand cannot replace the Primary Responsibility of both Central & State Governments @ this Juncture
IGfP is taking all required Proactive Action to the extent possible @ this time like extending suggestion for immediate relieve to Construction Workers & it is Gratifying to note Positive response of MOL in issuing necessary Advisory( Copy Forwarded Herewith )
Our Service @ your Disposal 24×7 @ @ Distressed Time for All of Us,
With Cheers & Regards,
B. K. Sahu,
Former Insurance Commissioner, ESiC, MOL,
Rescue of Stranded Oriyya migrant workers at Bangalore as per SOS message received and IGFP taking up with Labour Secretary labour Commissioner Karnataka and Commissioner police Odisha
Office of IGFP remaining closed till 31st March2020- Regarding Guidelines ect
Dear Supporter/ Partner/ Advisory Board & Staff of IGFP,
In view of decision taken by the Hon.CM Odisha & Circular issued to the effect for Lock down of Few Districts in Odisha which includes Khurda District , Office of IGFP @ Bapujinagar Bhubaneswar will remain closed till 31st March 2020. However keeping in view the Activities of IGfP remain prepared for the year 200, Following Practices will be followed,
1. All Staff will work from their Home as per work assigned to them. They may equip themselves with Laptop/Computer even by hiring to continue their assigned tasks,
2. All Staff will coordinate with each other to get the tasks completed with Madam Sangeeta may be contacted for any important issue/Activity ( Mobile 7657021269 )
3. All will take care to observe Preventive measures like regular washing of Hand ect as per guidelines issued by Centrel & State Govts as available through Newspaper/TV,
4. A Daily report of work Progress will be submitted by Sangeetha in consultation with Sunita to Director IGFP by Evening of each working day starting from 23rd March 2020
5. The Office will be thoroughly cleaned Twice during the Week with Disinfectant etc by Mr. Pal with Preeti & Cleaning Staff
The Message of Hon. CM Odisha & Govt of Odisha Circular which are self Explanatory are enclosed herewith for kind perusal,
With Cheers,
B. K. Sahu,
Director IGFP