Migrants Fear Exclusion from Benefits, Refuse to Share Data

Hyderabad: Migrant families, particularly those with members working in Gulf countries, are increasingly wary of providing migration-related information to enumerators conducting the caste census. These families fear that disclosing such details could lead to their exclusion from welfare programme or removal of their ration cards.

The caste census includes questions about migration under Sections 48 (a) to 48 (d). These questions ask whether any family member has migrated, the destination country or state, and the reasons for migration. However, families of migrant workers feel these questions are irrelevant to a caste-based survey and have expressed reluctance to answer them.

In North Telangana districts, where migration to the Gulf is high, enumerators are facing strong resistance from families concerned about potential repercussions.

Rumours circulating within migrant communities and social media platforms claim that the government may use this data to identify migrant families and exclude them from welfare schemes like Aarogyasri healthcare, Indiramma housing, free electricity, subsidised LPG, and Aasara pensions.

Such fears have led to widespread mistrust, even though, currently, there is no comprehensive data on the exact number of Telangana residents working outside the state or country. While estimates indicate around 15 lakh migrant workers from Telangana, the state aims to collect accurate figures through the caste census to better understand migration patterns.

The Congress has intensified efforts to reassure migrant families. TPCC NRI cell chairman B.M. Vinod Kumar appealed to the families of Gulf migrant workers to participate in the census and trust the state’s intentions. At Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, he said that the survey was being misrepresented by Opposition parties and dispelled claims that reporting Gulf migration would impact eligibility for welfare benefits.

Vinod Kumar reiterated the Congress’ commitment to the welfare of Gulf workers and their families and pointed out that the government had introduced an ex gratia of `5 lakh for families of deceased Gulf workers, admissions for their children in Gurukul schools, and established "Pravasi Prajavani," a grievance redressal counter in Hyderabad. He also pointed out that accurate migration data could enable the government to develop further welfare initiatives.

TPCC NRI cell convener Mandha Bheem Reddy added that data on Gulf workers would allow the state to plan programmes for safe migration and post-return rehabilitation. He criticised former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s administration, alleging that the previous BRS government withheld Gulf migration data collected during the 2014 comprehensive survey and failed to disclose it, even under the Right to Information Act.

Gulf Joint Action Committee (JAC) leader Chennamaneni Srinivasa Rao explained the importance of gathering demographic and professional data about Gulf migrants to craft reintegration programme. He highlighted the need for age, education, profession, and geographical details to devise effective support mechanisms for migrant returnees, particularly those who wish to resettle in their hometowns.