EC should pay migrant workers’ train fare: Samirul
Times of India | 30 December 2025
Kolkata: An overwhelming number of migrant workers registered with the West Bengal Migrant Workers Welfare Board were able to take part in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process with the board's support, its chairman Samirul Islam said on Monday. He, however, also pointed out the worries migrant workers have regarding hearings.
Pointing out that migrant workers were concerned about having to appear physically for hearings, as travel from cities such as Mumbai or Delhi would cost at least Rs 1,500–2,000 and lead to loss of wages, Islam said: "Abhishek Banerjee said that there was no notification by the Election Commission that migrant workers would have to come physically. Who will pay for their train? The EC should pay for it."
The board sent messages to 30 lakh registered migrant workers explaining the SIR rules and process, and ran call services for nearly a month covering 2.2 lakh workers. In most cases, BLOs were already aware of villagers working elsewhere. While no data was available on how many migrant workers were called for hearings, Islam said they were informed about the process and given a helpline number for assistance.
The board has also set up a helpline during the hearing phase for workers unable to travel.