Odisha govt orders night surveillance at railway stations to curb labour trafficking

The Odisha government has directed the Labour Department to intensify night surveillance at railway stations to curb the growing menace of illegal labour trafficking from western Odisha districts.

According to sources, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has instructed the Labour Secretary and Labour Commissioner to closely monitor activities at major stations after reports emerged of large-scale migrant worker trafficking from Balangir, Kalahandi, Bargarh and neighbouring districts.

Labour contractors are transporting workers in inhuman conditions by train to different parts of the country. Many of these workers, mostly illiterate migrants, are subjected to severe economic and physical exploitation once they reach their destinations.

The trafficking network has been particularly active at stations such as Titilagarh, Muribahal, Lathor, Rainbhata, Kantabanji, Nuapada and Khariar Road. From these points, workers are being sent illegally to far-off locations in search of a livelihood.

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Taking serious note of the issue, the Chief Secretary has ordered a coordinated crackdown involving district administrations, police, and railway authorities. Special emphasis has been placed on night-time monitoring to prevent illegal movement of labourers and to ensure strict enforcement.

Officials said comprehensive measures will be rolled out immediately to protect vulnerable workers and dismantle trafficking networks operating in the region.