Faced with criticism from the opposition for handling the migrant crisis in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, the government of Mamata Banerjee has launched a WhatsApp chatbot and a toll-free number for people from Bengal stranded in other states and stranded in the province.
For these people the government has also established an electronic e-pass program. In a circular released on Thursday, the government said: “For the convenience of all people stranded within and outside West Bengal State, an integrated e-Pass system was created and uploaded to the portal of Egiye Bangla. It aims for entry and exit from West Bengal by own arrangements. Intending individuals simply need to enter the required details at the link provided below and can generate the required pass.”
The government said people can register their details “by sending ‘hi’ to WhatsApp chatbot number 8017845555 or by sending SMS to 51969.” A toll-free number, 1070, will provide information and will remain functional all day long, it added.
Two Trains Brought Back from Rajasthan and Kerala
Two trains have so far brought back from Rajasthan and Kerala. There were more than 2,500 migrant laborers and pilgrims to the capital.
The Congress has accused the TMC government of not asking the Railways Ministry for appropriate special trains to carry the workers back. Chief of State Party Somen Mitra reiterated the argument. The Lok Sabha leader of Congress, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, had made on Thursday, and requested state administration responses. “Just two trains have come here so far. Instead of asking for [more] trains, the state government is issuing e-passes for such individuals. This war tug between the Center and the state must end in order to bring back migrant workers, “Mitra said.
Meanwhile, Bangla Sanskriti Mancha, a social welfare organisation, urged the Union Home Ministry. It aims to consider the plight of stranded laborers in other states.