Migrant exodus crisis lays bare strained Centre-state relations

The return of lakhs of migrant workers to their home states is a test of the federal structure and the handling of centre- state relations by the coordinating central ministries—home and railways.  

For the BJP government, it will also be a test of how well it is able to tide over this crisis, triggered by COVID-19, demonstrating a skill in handling centre-state relations.

The Centre-state coordination came under strain during the COVID-19 crisis as it has been impacted by political considerations especially in opposition-ruled states like West Bengal. 

While the Centre found fault with the state government for the spread of the virus and migrant crisis, West Bengal accused the Centre of failing to inform it in time about the lockdown measures that triggered the migrant crisis in the first place and later not giving enough time to states to make preparations to receive migrants when the train services were resumed. 

Besides, the return of the migrants also triggered blame game among state governments. States like Maharashtra accused the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka of adopting an uncooperative approach in taking back migrant workers hailing from these two states. Some other states have clearance to few trains.

In a latest missive to states, the Union home ministry on Tuesday asked states to share requirement of trains with the ministry of railways and make suitable arrangements for sending and receiving people.

The MHA is the coordinating ministry handling centre - state relations. While it is trying to give time to state governments to make preparations to deal with the influx of migrants under the latest lockdown guidelines, sources in the government said that once the states draft their own procedures to handle the influx, the ministries of home and railways need to work in close coordination to be able to run train services in an effective manner. “It has to be a two way communication and coordination,” said an official.

The MHA has drafted new standard operating procedures (SOP) for states on Tuesday which say that these SOPs override the earlier ones and that the Ministry of Railways (MoR) would permit movement of Shramik Special trains in consultation with MHA.

The MHA has asked all States and UTs to designate nodal authorities and make necessary arrangements for receiving and sending such stranded persons. “Based on the requirements of States/UTs, the train schedule, including stoppages and destination would be finalised by MoR.,” said the MHA communication to states. These schedules would be communicated by Ministry of railways to the States/UTs for making suitable arrangements for sending and receiving such stranded workers. The MHA also said that publicity of train schedule, protocols for entry and movement of passengers, services to be provided in coaches, and arrangements with States/UTs for booking of tickets would be done by Railway ministry so that there is no confusion and the migrant workers can easily access this information.

The States and Railway ministry would ensure that all passengers are “compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers are allowed to board the train.” The MHA has also laid stress on social distancing to be observed by all passengers during boarding and travel. It also said health protocols need to be adhered to by the travelling passengers on arrival at the destination points.

Government sources said that all the SOPs can only be effective if the central and state governments are on the same page.

“The reason why there has been chaos in some places is because some of the states wanted a different schedule of train services staggered over few more days and weeks than suggested by the central government,” said a state government official.  West Bengal and MHA clashed over the issue, reflecting the breakdown in centre - state relations. 

The latest round of missives by the MHA is yet another attempt to bring states on board. But the devil lies in the details. Till the Centre and states rise above political considerations and work towards strengthening the federal structure, there cannot be effective handling of the issue .

It may be recalled that on May 1, on the occasion of Labour Day, the government had decided to run “Shramik Special” trains for migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stuck across the country due to the lockdown.  A fortnight later, the Union home ministry dispatching revised SOPs asking states to share requirement of trains with the ministry of railways and make suitable arrangements for sending and receiving people.