Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo represents India at South Asia Labor Mobility Conference

Bhubaneswar: A two-day South Asia Labor Mobility Conference, jointly organised by the Royal Government of Bhutan and the World Bank, concluded on Wednesday in Thimphu with a strong emphasis on strengthening cross-border cooperation and protecting the rights of migrant workers.

India was represented by Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who also chairs the state’s Task Force for Migrant Workers. Singh Deo held discussions with Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchhoen Tshering Tobgay, exploring avenues for deeper collaboration on migrant welfare and labor mobility.

“Migration is a complex reality that shapes livelihoods and economic growth. In India, nearly 100 million workers migrate every year, often for short-term employment. Many remain excluded from welfare schemes in their home states,” Singh Deo said while addressing the conference.

Citing census data, he highlighted that Odisha — with a population of 42 million — has identified 14 migration-prone districts and implemented targeted measures. These include regulating informal recruitment, curbing exploitative advance payment systems, facilitating skill development, and ensuring inter-state portability of services for migrant workers. The state has also set up migrant labor help desks in multiple states and created district-level emergency relief funds of ₹15 lakh each. Additionally, 67 online services, including migrant worker registration, are being provided through Odisha’s PAReSHRAM portal.

The conference saw participation from leading economists and officials from the World Bank, including Anna Bjerde, MD of Operations; Franziska Ohnsorge, Chief Economist for South Asia; and Roberta Gatti, Chief Economist for the Middle East and North Africa. Odisha Labour & ESI Principal Secretary Chitra Arumugam also attended.

Delegates from countries such as the Maldives, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Canada, Australia, Italy, and the Philippines took part in the deliberations, aimed at enhancing migrant welfare and regional cooperation.

Singh Deo expressed confidence that the summit would not only empower migrant workers but also foster stronger ties among the participating nations.