Odisha announces Rs 134 crore anti-migration package

The Odisha government today announced a special package of Rs 134 crore to check illegal migration and human trafficking practices in Bolangir and Nuapada districts.
The package was announced for 30 gram panchayats of the two districts that have seen migration in large numbers in the recent past, Odisha's Labour and Employment Minister Sushant Singh said after a review meeting at Bolangir.
"The programme intends to stop illegal migration of poor people to other states and abroad. Those vulnerable (to migration) will be rehabilitated under the programme," Singh said, adding that financial assistance would be doled out in phases.
Stating that Bolangir and Nuapada were adopted as model districts for the first phase of the programme, Singh said a blueprint was also prepared at the meeting to chart out a future course of action to stop the menace.

"The programme would be taken to other districts if the first phase is successful," said the minister.
Balangir, Nuapada, Sonepur, Bargarh and Kalahandi are among 15 districts declared "drought-hit" by the government during this kharif season.