Answer

The Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan is a key initiative to connect with the Indian diaspora, including vulnerable groups like labor migrants, who face issues such as wage exploitation and limited social security. For instance, the 2023 Sammelan emphasized welfare measures for migrant workers. However, its effectiveness in addressing ground-level challenges demands critical evaluation and reform.

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Positive Role of Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan

• Awareness Generation: These platforms highlight labour migrant challenges, bringing global attention to exploitative practices and advocating for fair treatment.
  For example: The 2023 Sammelan emphasized the kafala system reforms and the need for stronger rights for Indian workers in Gulf countries.
• Engagement with Diaspora: These platforms enable the Indian government to directly connect with migrant workers, ensuring they feel valued and supported.
  For example: Prime Minister’s address during the 2021 Sammelan reassured Indian workers in the Gulf of proactive consular support for grievances.
• Policy Dialogue: Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan serves as a forum for discussing bilateral agreements and labor laws to safeguard migrants.
  For instance: The 2019 Sammelan led to the UAE revising its worker contract guidelines, reducing exploitation risks.
• Skill Development Advocacy: The Sammelan promotes skill-building initiatives to enhance job opportunities abroad, ensuring migrants secure better positions and pay.
  For example: The 2020 event focused on skill certification programs like SWADES for Indian workers returning during COVID-19.
• Recognition of Contributions: It celebrates remittance contributions, showcasing workers’ role in India’s economy and elevating their societal status.
  For example: In 2022, India received remittance of $111 billion, which was lauded in Sammelan, raising the morale and visibility of workers.

Limitations of Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan

• Limited Focus on Vulnerable Sections: Sessions often emphasize high-skilled diaspora, sidelining low-skilled labor migrants.
• Policy Implementation Gap: Recommendations often lack execution due to inadequate follow-ups and bureaucratic challenges.
  For example: Despite highlighting the kafala system’s flaws, there has been limited tangible impact on ground-level reforms.
• Underrepresentation of Workers: Migrant worker representatives are often absent, limiting discussions to top-down solutions.
  For instance: The 2019 Sammelan lacked input from Indian workers impacted by debt-bondage issues in Qatar.
• Focus on Celebratory Narratives: These platforms sometimes emphasize diaspora success stories over the struggles of labor migrants.
• Inadequate Coverage of Host Country Laws: Discussions rarely delve deeply into local labor laws, limiting effective advocacy.

Ways to Make Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan More Effective

• Ensuring Worker Representation: Incorporating migrant worker voices into panels to ensure discussions address ground realities and practical challenges.
• Strengthening Implementation Frameworks: Create task forces to monitor and implement outcomes from Sammelan recommendations effectively.
• Hosting Regional Dialogues: Organize smaller, region-specific Sammelans focusing on localized migrant issues.
  For example: A Gulf-specific Sammelan could address delayed wage payments and housing issues.
• Digital Platforms for Engagement: Developing an online portal for year-round grievance redressal, complementing event discussions.
  For example: A portal could assist workers facing exploitation in Kuwait beyond annual event dates.
• Engaging Host Countries: Involve representatives from migrant-hosting nations to ensure their cooperation in reforming labor laws.
  For example: UAE officials’ participation could fast-track changes in the kafala system through Sammelan discussions.

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Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan can address the concerns of vulnerable diaspora groups more effectively by promoting targeted policies, enhancing grievance redressal mechanisms, and promoting international collaboration. Leveraging technology for real-time support, empowering diaspora associations, and ensuring stronger labor protections can create a supportive ecosystem, enabling the diaspora to thrive and contribute to India’s global aspirations.

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