Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo has announced a comprehensive strategy to tackle labour migration, a persistent challenge in the state’s rural economy.

Speaking at a high-level task force meeting, Singh Deo emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing distress migration through targeted interventions, infrastructure development, and inter-state collaboration.

The state government plans to send dedicated teams to destination states where Odia workers frequently migrate, aiming to understand the root causes and negotiate solutions with respective state governments. “We want to know why our people are leaving and work with those states to address the reasons,” Singh Deo said.

A key component of the blueprint includes the expansion of Task Tile Parks in migration-prone regions, which are expected to generate local employment and reduce the need for seasonal migration.

Additionally, the government is offering ₹800 per quintal as input subsidy for paddy farmers, which has already led to a noticeable decline in migration this year.

Singh Deo acknowledged that while migration has reduced compared to previous years, it hasn’t been fully eradicated. “We are discussing multiple dimensions — from skilling to livelihood creation — to ensure people find opportunities at home,” he added.

The task force, comprising senior ministers and bureaucrats, will interact directly with migrant families and recommend actionable policies.