A disturbing situation has come to light in Odisha’s Bolangir district, where migrant labour trafficking continues to persist, with workers being illegally transported out of the region on a regular basis. Visuals from Kantabanji railway station suggest blatant violations of safety and legal norms, with little apparent enforcement by authorities.

Reports indicate that trains, such as the Bilaspur–Tirupati Express, are carrying large numbers of migrant labourers in severely cramped and inhumane conditions, reminiscent of livestock transport. Footage accessed by OTV shows workers packed tightly into coaches, while labour contractors have reportedly shown little concern for legal consequences, openly claiming impunity.

Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Khuntia, speaking at the Mati Mahotsav in Kantabanji, acknowledged that lack of local employment drives this migration. Many workers leave Odisha for eight months, return briefly for agricultural work, and then migrate again. Reports suggest that migrants often face exploitation, delayed or unpaid wages, and, in some cases, even death during transit.

The Minister highlighted that previous shortages of labour officers hindered monitoring, but under the current government, Assistant Labour Officers have been appointed in nearly 80% of the State’s 314 blocks. Their role is to oversee labour offices, raise awareness about trafficking, and investigate cases. While allegations of police complicity have surfaced, no official complaints have been recorded.

Khuntia assured that the administration is taking steps to address long-standing issues by expanding employment opportunities and ensuring access to government schemes. However, the ongoing illegal migration and trafficking in Bolangir underscores persistent enforcement gaps and the urgent need for sustained action to protect migrant labourers.