Guwahati: The Opposition on Wednesday urged the Assam government to introduce a mandatory registration system and a dedicated helpline for Assamese migrant workers employed outside the state, citing rising deaths, exploitation and the absence of reliable official data on the migrant workforce.
The issue was raised during Zero Hour on the third day of the Assam Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session by Chenga MLA Abdur Rahim Ahmed, who said the Labour Department lacked adequate information on workers migrating outside Assam for employment, limiting the government’s ability to ensure their safety and welfare.
Responding to the discussion, Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli admitted that the government did not have accurate data on the number of Assamese workers employed in other states. He said the suggestions on registration would be considered, adding that the government was aware of the increasing number of deaths and the difficulties faced by workers outside Assam.
Teli said that before the launch of the Shraddhanjali Scheme, there was no mechanism to bring back the mortal remains of workers who died outside the state. He said the scheme was introduced after the issue was brought to the Chief Minister’s attention.
Ahmed told the House that although 78,73,658 workers are registered with the Labour Department, the number of unregistered workers is believed to be much higher, leaving the government without a clear picture of the migrant workforce. He said the department had no proper information about the status, struggles and hardships faced by Assamese workers employed outside the state.
The Congress MLA attributed the migration to inadequate employment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture and industry. He argued that merely bringing back the mortal remains of workers under a welfare scheme was not enough if the government could not ensure their safety while they were employed outside Assam.
Ahmed informed the House that 354 deceased workers had been brought back under the Shraddhanjali Scheme since its launch in 2025, but said the focus should be on preventing such tragedies.
To strengthen worker protection, he proposed a mandatory registration system requiring workers leaving Assam for employment to register details such as their destination, employer and workplace with the Labour Department. He also suggested making it mandatory for contractors and companies employing Assamese workers to submit verified records to the government to improve accountability.
Citing recent incidents, Ahmed referred to the deaths of two women from Assam in an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing unit in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur district in June. He also mentioned the rescue of seven Mising youths from a construction site in Arunachal Pradesh after they were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, starvation and inhuman working conditions.
The MLA further proposed setting up a dedicated toll-free helpline and linking migrant workers with police control rooms so they could seek immediate assistance during emergencies.
Responding to the suggestions, Teli assured the House that the government would examine the proposals aimed at improving the safety and welfare of Assamese migrant workers employed outside the state.