The last set is perhaps the most difficult to overcome: the inherent insecurity that is felt in a new place where few know you. It is therefore not surprising that despite a few complaints in Noida we did not observe significant enough sustained pressure build-up by the parents.

The vulnerability of the migrants is compounded if they belong to the poorer sections of the society. And seasonal migrants are most vulnerable, since they are at a location only temporarily. These vulnerabilities are well-known and that is precisely why those on the fringes of the law (whether militants or criminals) exploit them. But little is known about the extent of the crimes against migrants, as many, if not most, crimes go unreported. The solutions however are not entirely unknown.

First, there has to be a system of record keeping where a recent migrant can easily get himself registered without the need for impossible-to-arrange paperwork and references. Without appropriate records and IDs, migrants do not ‘exist’ as far as the administrative set-up is concerned. Second, all parts of the government need to include specific procedures where migrants can access public services, given that they lack the conventional means of identification. Third, migrants need special facilities and services, whether in schools or in law enforcement. And this is even more important in the case of seasonal migration.

Among the many things that are desirable, addressing the various vulnerabilities of migrants are perhaps not very urgent. But they are among the most important. Very soon the majority of the country would comprise migrants.

... contd.