by Br Christopher Nadar for BIS Mumbai

A significant step towards addressing migration issues was taken as the Baroda Diocese convened a one-day consultation on migration at Don Bosco Church Hall, Makarpura, Vadodara. Attended by 40 participants, including priests, religious sisters, NGO representatives, trade union members, and well-wishers, the event aimed to foster collaboration and advocate for the rights and welfare of migrants in Gujarat.

The consultation began at 10:30 am with registration, followed by a welcome address by Fr. Baptist Monteiro, Rector of Don Bosco Snehalaya, Vadodara. Fr. Francis Bosco, South Asia Coordinator for Migrant Ministry, delivered a compelling presentation on the challenges faced by migrants across India and Gujarat.

Key Insights and Challenges

Fr. Francis Bosco highlighted the critical responsibilities of state governments, dioceses, religious congregations, and NGOs in supporting informal workers. He emphasized the need for states to develop local employment opportunities, particularly in agriculture and other key sectors. Failure to do so, he warned, results in distressed migration to other states, often leading to exploitation in hazardous industries.

He also underscored the vulnerability of marginalized communities, including SCs, STs, and OBCs, who often become submissive, cheap labor in destination states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Delhi. Fr Bosco advocated for creating migrant forums at both source and destination states to ensure labor rights and solidarity for migrant workers.

Collaborative Solutions and Way Forward

After a brief break, group discussions led to actionable suggestions for a comprehensive migrant ministry in Gujarat and Baroda Diocese. These included: Building Connectivity, Legal Awareness and Aid, Advocacy for Basic Rights, Free primary education in migrants’ mother tongues, Free healthcare for migrant workers, etc.

A committee was formed to follow up on these initiatives and oversee the implementation of activities along with the Director of Don Bosco Snehalaya:

1.     Fr. Baptist Monteiro SDB

2.     Sr. Magi, Migrant Secretary, Baroda Diocese

3.     Fr. Melvin SJ, Surat

4.     Mr. Shailesh, NGO Representative

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Fr Baptist Monteiro, who also distributed saplings to key contributors as tokens of appreciation. Participants enjoyed a communal lunch before departing.

Special gratitude was extended to the organizing team at Snehalaya, Fr Baptist Monteiro, Bro Christopher and staff members Mrs Sheetal and Mrs Hiral, for their efforts in making the event a success.

This consultation marks a crucial step toward forming a Migrant Forum for Baroda Diocese and Gujarat, fostering hope and collective action for the betterment of migrants.