The Middle East conflict has raised concerns for thousands of Odia workers and tourists living in the region. Amid the escalating crisis, the Odisha government has said it is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure the safety of its citizens stranded abroad.
Speaking during an adjournment discussion in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the government is maintaining constant vigilance over the situation and coordinating with the Government of India to bring back Odia nationals safely.
Helpline and Control Room Set Up
The minister informed the House that the state government had already issued a 24-hour toll-free helpline on March 2 to assist Odia people affected by the crisis. A special control room has also been established to monitor developments and respond to emergency calls.
Authorities are monitoring the helpline round-the-clock to provide assistance and information to families concerned about their relatives abroad.
Helpline Details:
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Toll-free number: 80046342
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WhatsApp number: 971543090571
Evacuation Efforts Underway
The Odisha government has also begun efforts to bring back Odia citizens stranded in the region. According to the minister, 35 tourists who had travelled to Dubai have already been brought back to India in two phases.
Plans are underway to bring back another 22 individuals within the next two days, he added.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with senior officials and the Chief Secretary, is coordinating with the Union government to ensure safe evacuation where necessary.
Migration and Employment Concerns Raised
During the debate, the minister also addressed the issue of migration of workers from Odisha to other states and countries. He said many people are forced to leave the state in search of employment opportunities.
To tackle this problem, the government is examining why large numbers of workers from nine districts migrate for jobs and is planning measures to generate employment locally. The state government is also considering providing 300 days of work under welfare schemes in affected districts.
The Labour Department currently has around 51 lakh registered workers, compared to 46 lakh in 2024, indicating a sharp increase in labour registrations over the past two years.
Opposition Raises Concerns Over Migrant Safety
Opposition leaders raised concerns about the safety of Odia workers in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict.
BJD MLA Arun Sahu informed the House that an Odia youth had reportedly died in Qatar, creating anxiety among families across the state. He said thousands of migrant workers from Odisha are currently working in Middle Eastern countries and many families are worried about their safety.
Government Asked to Clarify Preparedness
Congress MLA Taraprasad Bahinipati also questioned the government about its preparedness to deal with the crisis. He asked what discussions had taken place between the state and the Union government regarding the safety of migrant workers and when flights to Dubai would resume.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to create uncertainty, thousands of families in Odisha remain anxious about their relatives working abroad. The state government has assured that it will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and return of its citizens.