Daltonganj Diocese Addresses Migration Challenges in Jharkhand

Daltonganj, Jharkhand, October 29, 2025: To address the growing challenges faced by migrants, particularly bonded labour and human trafficking, a one-day training and consultation meeting on migration issues was held on 28 October at the Pastoral Centre, Daltonganj Diocese, Jharkhand. The programme, themed “Together for Dignity and Rights of Migrants,” brought together Church representatives, government officials, and social activists to discuss strategies for protecting migrant workers’ rights and dignity.

Inaugurated the programme, Fr. Sanjay Gidh, Vicar General of the diocese, noted that distress migration is one of the most serious problems in the area and requires immediate action.

Fr. Jaison Vadassery, Secretary of the Commission for Migrants of the CCBI, highlighted the importance of every diocese establishing a Commission for Migrants to effectively accompany and support them. Citing Pope Francis, he reminded participants that caring for migrants is a shared responsibility of both the Church and society.

Explaining how migrants often become trapped in bonded labour, Mr. Nirmal Gorahana, National Convenor of the National Campaign Committee for the Eradication of Bonded Labour (NCCBL), recommended that every village conduct a survey of migrants, maintain family connections, and extend support through NCCBL when required.

Ms. Shikha, Programme Manager of the Migration Centre under the Jharkhand State Government, presented various government schemes available for migrants and explained how they could register and benefit from them.

Participants reflected on migration within its wider political and social context, noting that in several poor states, natural resources and wealth are not equitably shared, and exploitative practices such as withholding wages persist. They stressed that charity should extend beyond one’s own community to all people, regardless of caste or creed, and urged greater use of government systems and programmes to support migrants.

The event was organised by Fr. Bipin Kumar Pani, Director of SIGN, and Fr. Siby C. F., and attended by 95 participants. The meeting concluded with group discussions and the preparation of a detailed action plan titled “Together for Dignity and Rights of Migrants.”

As part of the action plan, (1) participants agreed to conduct surveys in every village to identify the types and numbers of migrants, understand the reasons for migration, and maintain contact with those who have already moved away.

(2) To organise awareness programmes in villages on safe migration, form village-level committees to accompany migrants, and appoint two responsible persons in each village to follow up with migrant families.

(3) To reduce distress migration, the plan includes conducting local skill training programmes to help people find livelihood opportunities within their own areas.

(4) Participants also proposed strengthening networking between parishes, dioceses, and government departments to share information on government schemes, assist migrants in registration, and promote the use of the Shram Card for proper worker registration.

(5) The action plan further calls for creating parish-level structures to accompany migrants and appointing diocesan and deanery coordinators to ensure communication and follow-up.

(6) Emphasising justice and rights, it highlights the need to ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and awareness of legal rights among all labourers, while supporting them in their struggle against exploitation.

(7) Recognising the importance of coordinated efforts, participants stressed the need to strengthen links between dioceses of origin and destination so that migrants can receive continuous support at both ends.

(8) They also identified challenges such as lack of communication, negligence, and lethargy within diocesan structures, and resolved to tackle excessive or forced migration through awareness, community involvement, and government mechanisms.

(9) Looking ahead, the group resolved to organise campaigns on safe migration and labour rights, encourage local leaders to participate in future meetings and trainings, and form committees to ensure the continuous accompaniment of migrants.

By Catholic Connect Reporter