Advocacy for a Dedicated Ministry: Journalist Shekhar Deshmukh Highlights Urgency in Addressing Migrant Issues
Pune, 4th January 2024: Senior journalist and writer, Shekhar Deshmukh, stressed the imperative need for a dedicated ministry to comprehend the intricate issues faced by migrant citizens. His insights were shared during a lecture organized by the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, focusing on Social Sciences and Humanities. The event was part of the Anant and Lata Labhsetvar lecture series, held at Ambedkar Bhavan.
Deshmukh, addressing the audience, presented his thoughts on the pressing topics of Forced Migration and Crisis Migration, shedding light on the current reality of socio-health fractures. Drawing attention to the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized the critical importance of addressing the concerns of migrants, particularly those hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The seasoned journalist called for comprehensive surveys encompassing the number of migrants, their caste, religion, and overall health. Notably, Deshmukh highlighted the necessity of addressing mental health concerns among migrants and advocated for the implementation of an urban employment guarantee scheme tailored to their needs.
During his discourse, Deshmukh underlined that the challenges faced by migrants extend beyond mere economic and social aspects, delving deeper into the realms of mental, emotional, and health-related issues. The lecture, hosted at Ambedkar Bhavan at SPPU, aimed to create awareness and prompt discussions on the multifaceted challenges confronted by the migrant population in India.
Anant Labhsetwar provided the background for the lecture, while Dr. Rajeshwari Deshpande, the head of the Inter Disciplinary School, introduced and expressed gratitude to the participants. Professors and students from various departments of SPPU actively engaged in the insightful discourse, highlighting the importance of addressing migrant issues at a systemic level.
