Following the exodus of north-eastern migrants from Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore, the Indian Staff Federation has called for the expedition of the Unique Identification (UID) number process as a means of assuaging concerns and avoiding employment disruption.
The 12-digit UID number was conceived as a unique identity which would be accepted nationally, but the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) claims to have enrolled only 200 million people so far, with the second round of enrolment having started on August 4.
“We would appeal to the Central Government to expedite the UID process. The Unique Identification card would help them truly enjoy the constitutional right to work anywhere in India, but also provide a common mechanism for local government machinery to indentify, validate and respond to their issue and concerns,” said the Indian Staffing Federation (ISF) in a release.
The apex body, which represents the professional staffing industry, said that migrant labourers were crucial to sectors such as construction, hotels, beauty and wellness and security services.
“If this situation is not eased, it could lead to a lop-sided demand as against supply which could impact wages, thus increasing overall cost of living. Migrant workers should be covered under the UID process immediately to avoid exploitation and unemployment,” ISF said.
The exodus, which was in part triggered by anonymous text messages, social media - fuelled rumours and doctored images, represents the first instance of cyber-terrorism in India, according to the Cyber Society of India.
