In SC, Singhvi lists suggestions on migrant workers

He also mooted the formulation of a scheme for migrant labourers to ensure steady supply and access to medicine, food and shelter apart from the one at railway and bus stations.

Singhvi called for the setting up of a high-powered committee to recommend within three working days how much money can be given through direct benefit transfer to the labourers. Schemes to provide them gainful employment must also be explored, he said.

Singhvi appeared before the bench of Justices Ashok Bhushan, S K Kaul and M R Shah on behalf of Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, who had filed an intervention application. Singhvi’s appearance for Surjewala was opposed by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who said “let this not be politicised”.

The bench then told Singhvi that it will hear him dehors the petition as an officer of the court, following which the senior counsel came up with the suggestions.

Singhvi said that according to the solicitor general, 100% of the ticket is given by the state. But states now have no money, he said, and asked if there should not be a committee to deal with this.

Appearing for migrant labourers, senior advocate Indira Jaising said the number of trains has to be increased. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, who too appeared for a migrant labour group, said there are several difficulties with regard to registration.