Delhi: Helpline for migrants sees spike in SOS calls

A network of volunteers which has been running a helpline for stranded migrants since last March has reported a spike in the number of distress calls from migrant workers in Delhi this week.

Stranded Workers’ Action Network (SWAN) had written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday asking for extension of ration to non-holders of PDS cards and rent support in the light of findings made while assessing the needs of these callers.

“Since the last week of April 2021, we have received a deluge of SOS calls from Delhi, which has grown exponentially in the past three days. We have been able to assess a total of 268 calls (comprising approximately 1,200 plus migrants and their family members) from Delhi since May 1, 2021, of which 137 (around 300 people)