Conquering Corona: An Examination into Managing the Plight of Migrant Workers in India during the COVID-19 Quarantine and Beyond

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of migrant workers were left behind both literally and symbolically when India went into lockdown.  Public transportation ceased operating, jobs disappeared overnight, and individuals were forced to walk hundreds of kilometers to get home. This essay closely examines what went wrong and why. It examines how, despite their good intentions, government initiatives frequently failed to consider the realities that low-income households and daily wage earners faced. The response proved to be reactive and dispersed since there was no adequate mechanism in place for monitoring or assisting migrant workers. According to the report, the issue grew worse due in large part to antiquated legislation, a dearth of trustworthy data, and inadequate communication. It also emphasizes how certain local initiatives handled matters more effectively, and how those might be used as a template in the future. To put it briefly, we contend that India requires more robust and inclusive policies that safeguard its most vulnerable citizens on a daily basis, not only during calamities.