THEIR OWN COUNTRY A PROFILE OF LABOUR MIGRATION FROM RAJASTHAN This report is a collaborative effort of 10 civil society organisations of Rajasthan who are committed to solving the challenges facing the state's seasonal migrant workers through providing them services and advocating for their rights. This work is financially supported by the Tata Trust migratnt support programme of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts. Review and comments Photography Jyoti Patil Design and Graphics Mihika Mirchandani All communication concerning this publication may be addressed to Amrita Sharma Program Coordinator Centre for Migration and Labour Solutions, Aajeevika Bureau 2, Paneri Upvan, Street no. 3, Bedla road Udaipur 313004, Ph no. 0294 2454092
[email protected],
[email protected] Website: www.aajeevika.org This document has been prepared with a generous financial support from Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and Allied Trusts In Appreciation and Hope It is with pride and pleasure that I dedicate this report to the immensely important, yet un-served, task of providing fair treatment, protection and opportunity to migrant workers from the state of Rajasthan. The entrepreneurial might of Rajasthani origin is celebrated everywhere. However, much less thought and attention is given to the state's largest current day “export” - its vast human capital that makes the economy move in India's urban, industrial and agrarian spaces. The purpose of this report is to bring back into focus the need to value this human capital through services, policies and regulation rather than leaving its drift to the imperfect devices of market forces. Policies for labour welfare in Rajasthan and indeed everywhere else in our country are wedged delicately between equity obligations and the imperatives of a globalised market place.