'Food Passport' for Migrants

Fortunately, the Additional Collector Shekhar Meshram Gaikwad proved to be sensitive, and agreed to talk with the migrants. The migrant workers participated in the discussions enthusiastically. Vimalbai Pagar, Janka Bhoye, Baba Tathe, Maruti Labde and others presented their side of the story very lucidly.Their efforts bore fruit and application forms were issued. But the migrants were unable to furnish income proof or submit the employers' recommendation. Again, the group held discussions with the PDS officials on it and the rules were relaxed.There were other problems too - after intense lobbying, the group fought for and got permanent ration cards for 185 migrant workers in Nashik. But each time they had to buy food, they were expected to return back to their native place. This did not suit the migrants who had to stay most of the year in Nashik. By Aparna Pallavi November 6, 2005 http://www.boloji.com/wfs4/wfs483.htm