The condition of internal migrants, despite them being Indian citizens, is often compared to international refugees as they usually end up without a social protection net at the destination region. Critically examine in context of migrant’s crisis caused due to Covid -19. Also, suggests ways and means to tackle the vulnerabilities of this section of the society.

Internal migrants are the second- of different states settling in another state for economic, social or environmental crisis. 2011 suggests India has 4.5% of internal migrants.

Their position is considered to be akin to international refugees as:

1. They possess no clear political rights in the new locations.

2. They are poorly treated in the region due to agriculture, son of soil tendency

3. Lack of profitability of entitlement and benefits that are tied to nation cards.

4. Poor living conditions especially for the urban poor, ghettosation, misery, water, etc.

5. Lack of job security is another major concern. Education opportunity is also scarce.

In covid crisis this was all the more visible as:

Internal Migrant workers Act, 1979

Steps taken

Ways I means to tackle their challenges

1. Need for collection of data about these migrants with clear identification.

2. Skill mapping database of these migrants. e.g. UP Govt's initiatives.

3 Need for per- tability of all benefits across the nation. eg. Election commission proposes voting sumoetely through Aadhaar seeding

4. Rural Housing complexes to be created for affordability.

5. Ensuring education of children of migrant workers. eg. Gujarat Govt. has formed hostels for such children & special textbook

6. Ensure seamless travel opportunities to prevent exoduses. eg. UDAN come - city.

7. RURBAN mission to prevent streets migration from the source itself.

Thus, policy initiative must be taken to reduce the distress faced by such migrants.