CM Naveen Patnaik seeks SoP for migrant workers’ return

Millions of migrants of every state are stuck at various places of the country and are suffering. On 27th April, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik endeavoured a uniform standard operating procedure (SOP) for the whole country for the return of people from other states to their homeland. Naveen Patnaik raised the issue during the videoconference of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with CMs on the management of coronavirus pandemic in the country.

“There should be a national SOP for smooth movement of stranded persons including students, workers, pilgrims, patients and professionals,” the Chief Minister said. He also emphasised improvement of testing facilities for detection of COVID-19 cases.

Notably, the state government has made compulsory registration norms for all migrants willing to return to Odisha. The government has developed a portal for the purpose. Post return of migrants, they will have to stay under government quarantine for 14 days. So far 4.86 lakh people from Odisha in other states have registered in the Government portal to return home. About 15,000 buses will be required to bring them back.