Jaipur: Banswara MP Rajkumar Roat Wednesday raised an alarm over the migration of tribal youths from the state’s tribal sub-plan (TSP) regions, calling it a “grim indictment” of tribal welfare policies of both state and central govts.
He raised the issue in a statement released on the eve of the International Labour Day. Tribal men, ranging from teenagers to the middle-aged, were increasingly leaving their homes in places such as Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and surrounding areas to work in Gujarat’s industrial belts, Maharashtra’s construction sites, and Madhya Pradesh’s farmlands, often in exploitative and poorly paid conditions, he pointed out later, speaking to TOI.
“This is not migration driven by opportunity but one borne out of desperation,” Roat said, warning of a systemic failure in addressing root causes of economic distress in tribal districts. He asserted that every year on May 1, International Labour Day, both the central and state govts make lofty promises, yet tribal youth remain among the most exploited and neglected sections of the workforce.
Pointing to serious gaps in implementation of flagship tribal schemes like PM-JANMAN, MGNREGA, and state-run employment initiatives, he said, “Plans look impressive in official presentations but are rarely tailored to local tribal realities.”
Migration was often the last resort for tribal youth whose native villages lack employment opportunities, quality education, healthcare facilities, and basic livelihood support, he said.
He voiced concern over the long-term human and social costs of such migration, including disintegration of families, child labour, health risks, and vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.
“Our tribal youth are not just leaving behind their homes — they’re leaving behind their identities, their culture, and often, their hopes,” he said. Calling for urgent reforms, Roat demanded a comprehensive, region-specific employment blueprint for TSP districts — one that focuses on home-based livelihood generation, forest-based industries, traditional crafts, skill development, and sustainable agriculture.
“If we truly wish to honour Labour Day, we must first ensure that India’s most vulnerable workers — our tribal youth — can live and work with dignity in their own villages,” Roat said.
