The Centre has submitted a second report before the Supreme Court on the condition of migrant labourers and other homeless people dependent on government’s relief camps during the lockdown.

In the report submitted before the court, it has been found that within three weeks of the nationwide lockdown, there was a massive surge in the number of people depending on relief camps and food camps across the country.

This is second status report filed by the government in the Supreme Court in response to a plea by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, seeking relief for migrant workers including payment of wages.

Citing the measures undertaken by the government for the migrant labourers stranded in different states, the Centre has told Supreme Court that the labourers need not move to their native places in between the lockdown.

An analysis of two status reports filed before the Supreme Court by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) shows that the number of migrant workers and homeless people living in shelter homes has more than doubled by mid-April while the numbers of people queuing up for food has grown exponentially.

The latest status report filed by MHA is based on data available as of April 12 while the earlier report was filed on March 31.

The number of migrants/daily wagers depending on the relief camps has nearly doubled in the two-week period between the two reports, with about 14.3 lakh people housed in 37,978 relief camps as of April 12 report.

The government has said that more than 1.34 crore people are also being provided food at the relief camps and food distribution camps.

“As per the latest statistics furnished by the state governments and Union territories, 37,978 relief camps have already been set up by state governments and Union Territories and genuine NGOs. Nearly 14.3 lakh persons have been housed in these camps. In addition to the above, 26,225 food camps have also been opened giving food to nearly 1.34 crore persons,” the affidavit said.

These numbers show a massive increase since with 6.6 lakh people housed in 21,064 relief camps as of March 31 while 22.8 lakh others lined up for food.

The Union government has said that various steps are being taken to help the massive population that is under severe economic stress. The Centre has provided for about 80 crore people to get 5 kg free ration, including wheat and rice every month. Another 19.4 crore households are being given 1 kg free pulses per month.

Wages under MNREGA have been increased by Rs 20, covering about 13.62 crore workers. In addition, funds have been released to the EPFO, to women who have Jan Dhan accounts and are registered as building and other construction workers.