Workers battle economic crisis during Covid restrictions in Kolkata

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, migrant workers have struggled to make ends meet. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The Covid-induced lockdown has impacted economically weaker section terribly, rendering many unemployed. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The pandemic has led to increased economic distress for the poorer sections of the society (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Migrant workers during the Covid crisis have faced issues related to healthcare, transportation and basic facilities to ensure their safety and hygiene. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The pandemic has accentuated the migrant crisis all over the country. With increasing rate in unemployment, Gujarat government stated that MGNREGA has been a lifesaver for labourers compelled to return to their homes (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The schemes that were launched for migrant workers' benefit amid the pandemic, according to the Supreme Court, "were slow-paced". (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The top court also said there must be supervision of these benefit schemes to ensure that it reaches the concerned beneficiaries. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The state governments were asked not to charge fare from migrant workers and provide them food for free till they boarded trains or buses. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Railways board had said that as many as 805 people suffered injuries and 8,733 people died on the railway tracks between January and December in 2020 (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Punjab, which saw an exodus of over 5 lakh migrants last year during lockdowns, faced around 40% shortage of labourers in the recently concluded wheat procurement season. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

India had legislation on internal migration in the form of Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, which protects and regulates the recruitment, working and living conditions of the migrant workers, but it is poorly implemented. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The lockdown has left many workers struggling to make ends meet. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The second wave has worsened the situation for migrant workers who now are facing a hunger crisis. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

The ongoing wave of the pandemic has exposed the poor health infrastructure in many rural areas. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Instances of reduced food intake and increased dependence on foodgrains from the public distribution system were also reported. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)

Many migrant workers, who came back from the villages after the first lockdown was lifted, can no longer afford to go back. They have stayed back despite not having proper work. (Express Photo by Shashi Ghosh)