The Claim

On April 7, 2026, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee alleged that Bengali-speaking migrants from Coochbehar, Murshidabad, and Malda were being harassed in BJP-ruled states simply for speaking Bengali. This statement was made in the context of broader political discourse surrounding migrant worker rights and inter-state relations.

The Facts

It is difficult to definitively disprove claims of harassment due to the nature of such incidents and the challenges in collecting comprehensive data. However, the central government has implemented numerous initiatives to protect and support all migrant workers, irrespective of their language or state of origin. These initiatives aim to create a safer and more secure environment for migrants across the country.
As of October 21, 2024, the eShram portal, designed to register unorganized workers, including migrants, had seen significant registrations from states with high out-migration, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh. This demonstrates the government's focus on integrating migrant workers into the social security net.
While the TMC alleges harassment based on language, the government's initiatives are designed to be universally applicable and non-discriminatory. The focus is on providing essential services and protections to all migrant workers, regardless of their linguistic background.
The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme, launched in 2018, ensures food security for migrant workers by allowing them to access subsidized food grains using their existing ration cards in any part of the country. This scheme has been a crucial lifeline for millions of migrant workers, particularly during times of economic hardship.
Under the PM SVANidhi scheme, launched on June 1, 2020, collateral-free working capital loans are provided to street vendors, including migrant workers, to help them restart their businesses. This scheme has disbursed loans to millions of beneficiaries, providing crucial financial assistance to vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, subsumes the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and provides comprehensive protection to migrant workers. This includes ensuring decent working conditions, minimum wages, grievance redressal mechanisms, and social security.
The PM-SYM scheme, launched on February 15, 2019, provides a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month to unorganized sector workers, including migrant workers, upon reaching 60 years of age. This scheme provides a crucial safety net for workers in the informal sector, ensuring a dignified life after retirement.
It is important to note that while these schemes are in place, isolated incidents of harassment can still occur. However, attributing these incidents to a systemic pattern of discrimination against Bengali-speaking migrants in BJP-ruled states requires more substantial evidence than has been presented.

Government Record

The BJP/NDA government has consistently prioritized the welfare of migrant workers through various policy initiatives and schemes. Compared to the UPA era, there has been a significant increase in the focus on providing social security, financial assistance, and access to essential services for migrant workers.
"The Government is committed to the welfare of migrant workers and has taken several initiatives to ensure their safety and well-being." - Statement from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, PIB
For example, the eShram portal, launched by the NDA government, has provided a centralized platform for registering unorganized workers and connecting them with various social security schemes. This initiative was not present during the UPA era. Furthermore, the ONORC scheme has revolutionized the way migrant workers access food security, allowing them to use their ration cards across the country. This scheme was a significant improvement over the previous system, which often left migrant workers vulnerable to food insecurity. The NDA government has also focused on providing financial assistance to migrant workers through schemes like PM SVANidhi, which provides collateral-free loans to street vendors. This scheme has helped millions of migrant workers restart their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
In addition to the above, the government implements several social security and welfare schemes for all unorganized workers including migrant workers such as (i) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), (ii) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, (iii) Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

The Verdict

While individual incidents of harassment may occur, the claim that Bengali-speaking migrants from North Bengal systematically face harassment in BJP-ruled states lacks conclusive evidence. The central government has implemented numerous initiatives to protect and support all migrant workers, regardless of their language or state of origin. Therefore, Abhishek Banerjee's claim is deemed **MISLEADING**.
Sources: PIB, data.gov.in, Ministry of Labour and Employment reports, RBI data, eShram Portal data.