Bengaluru Evictions Spark Interstate Row Over Migrant Workers' Rights

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, aims to regulate the employment of inter-state migrant workmen and to provide for their conditions of service. It mandates registration of establishments and contractors, payment of wages, suitable living conditions, and other welfare measures. Statement 2 is correct. The Supreme Court, in various judgments (e.g., Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation, 1985; Francis Coralie Mullin v. Administrator, Union Territory of Delhi, 1981), has interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right to live with human dignity, which encompasses the right to shelter, livelihood, and basic necessities. Statement 3 is incorrect. While state governments have primary responsibility, the central government also plays a significant role through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), which provide financial and technical support for housing and rehabilitation, including for urban poor and migrants. Moreover, disaster management frameworks and specific central schemes can also provide support in displacement scenarios.

Answer: B

Statement A is correct. Informal settlements are characterized by inadequate infrastructure and lack of basic services. Statement B is incorrect. A significant majority of migrant workers in urban areas are employed in the informal sector (e.g., construction, domestic work, street vending) which typically lacks social security benefits, formal contracts, and job security. This makes them highly vulnerable. Statement C is correct. Evictions from informal settlements often face criticism for violating due process, lacking proper notice, and failing to provide adequate rehabilitation, as seen in numerous past incidents and highlighted by the Bengaluru case. Statement D is correct. The inability of urban infrastructure and housing supply to keep pace with population growth, coupled with the unaffordability of formal housing, forces many low-income migrants to reside in informal settlements.

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. When one state's actions (like evictions) impact citizens of another state, and the affected state's CM raises concerns, it can lead to political friction, challenging the spirit of cooperative federalism. Statement 2 is correct. Despite the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, and various welfare schemes, a holistic, rights-based national policy that addresses all facets of internal migration (including housing, social security, portability of benefits, and grievance redressal) is still largely lacking, leading to ad-hoc responses and vulnerabilities. Statement 3 is incorrect. While 'inter-state migration' is in the Union List (Entry 81), 'labour' and 'social security and social insurance' are in the Concurrent List (Entries 22 and 23 respectively). This means both the Union and State governments can legislate on aspects affecting migrant workers. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, itself is a central legislation, but states have significant roles in its implementation and in providing welfare. Therefore, the Union government does not have *exclusive* power over *all* aspects, especially concerning welfare and local implementation.