Bihar migrant resource centre inaugurated

Bihar Migrant Resource Centre (BMRC), which seeks to address the needs of migrants in the city, was today inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Kumar, who launched it via video-conferencing, asked the state's resident commissioner to promote the initiatives of the centre, which is aimed at reducing the "vulnerability" migrants face and making their stay more rewarding.
The centre is an initiative of an independent society, JEEViKA, which has been set up by Bihar government and supported by the World Bank.
"From being a recreational space to information centre, the BMRC aspires to support, counsel and impart guidance to anyone who walks in the centre in matters pertaining to their safe travel, adequate information about destination cities, employment opportunities and skill training centers," an official statement said.

It will advise them on ways to avoid potential risks at workplace, offer emergency helpline numbers, facilitate access to crucial resources at the destination, it said.
Resident Commissioner Sunil Barthwal said the centre would be of immense benefit to the migrants in terms of providing correct numbers and appropriate guidance.

The migrants from Bihar can also seek information about Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) Smart Cards, process of making their identity cards and counselling on any issue concerning them.
"At BMRC a migrant can also video chat with their members of the family located at different places in Bihar. The centre also guides people about safe money transfer and proper saving mechanisms," an official statement said.

More and more such BMRCs would come up in other cities across the country to support, guide and counsel migrants from Bihar and other states.