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Tamil Nadu - Migrant Exposure Visit: Learning from micro-management

Chennai

Field visit - at Brick kilns

Tamil Nadu - Migrant Exposure Visit: Learning from micro-management

5 September 2023

Migrants,

- Fr. Francis Bosco sdb

On September 2 and 3, DB4M(YaR) organized an exposure programme to facilitate understanding of the strategies and intervention towards Intra and Inter-State Migrants in Chennai, Tiruvalluvar, Kanchipuram and Chengalpattu districts in Tamil Nadu.

DB4M Staff members from the Provinces and the collaborating congregations, including Holy Cross Sisters, SVDs, and Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters, participated in this unique exposure programme in Chennai. The highlight of this exercise was the one-on-one direct interaction with migrants and stakeholders during the two-day intensive field observation.

The programme started with Holy Eucharist on the morning of September 2, followed by discussion with the various unorganized workers trade unions in Citadel, Chennai, including Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Federation, Fishermen’s Union, Unorganized Workers Federation, Samyukta Kisan Morcha, Annai illam and Pengal Urimai Iyyakkam. After the interaction, the team visited the allied government departments for migration. Interaction with Dr. Manivelan, Occupational Health and Safety, DMS, Chennai, Mr Nirmal, Social Welfare Officer, TNUHDB, Mr. Darwin, TNUHDB slum officer, Perumbakkam were resourceful in gauging the migration issues and challenges.

The visiting delegates also directly met the migrant workers in the manufacturing sector in Mambakkam, Sriperumbdur and Kanchipuram districts to observe first-hand the living and working conditions of the migrant workers. DBMS’ helpdesk in the vicinity of the migrants for assisting them in their safety and protection was particularly appreciated.

On September 3, with the Holy Eucharist, the team reached Brick kilns in Tiruvalluvar district. The strategies and the education plan for the Odessa children were elaborated with the owners and the employees of Odessa brick kiln families.

Thanks to all the DB4M migrant desk Directors of the Provinces for deputing their delegates to attend this fruitful exposure in understanding the implementation of migrant activities in INM province in 4 districts in Tamilnadu. Thanks to INM Provincial, Vice-Provincial, Father Simolin, Director Migrant desk, Father Lourdu and DBMS staff members for organizing this event in Chennai.