Every year, lakhs of families from Balangir district in Odisha are forced to migrate to other states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat in search of livelihood. However, instead of opportunity, they often encounter exploitation. In many brick kilns, migrant workers are subjected to physical, mental, and financial abuse by factory owners. There have even been heartbreaking cases where individuals returned in coffins.

In response to this crisis, the government introduced the MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and launched a special 300-day employment program in five blocks to curb distress migration. Yet, despite these efforts, the implementation appears weak, and the problem remains unresolved. At both government and community levels, there are differing opinions on how to effectively address this recurring tragedy.

This story is by Satya Banchor , a Community, Content Creator from Bolangir, Odisha.

This story is filmed and edited by the community content creator. We bring you unfiltered stories from the deepest, most media-dark areas.

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