Friends, Greetings.
Why Should People Trust ABSP?
From Social Service to Political Commitment
Dear Friends,
Today, I would like to share with you a remarkable contribution of the Shramik Utthan Evam Samajik Kalyankari Association—a contribution that may surprise many of you. Not only have I personally benefited from it, but many of you may have benefited from it directly or indirectly as well. Yet, most people still know it only as a notable achievement of the Central Government.
In my view, however, significant credit for this initiative belongs to Mr. Ravi G. Nigam, President of the Association.
You may now be wondering what contribution I am referring to.
An Unprecedented Challenge During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When the nationwide lockdown was suddenly imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government faced an unprecedented challenge. Millions of migrant workers, employees, students, and ordinary citizens were stranded far away from their homes across different parts of the country.
At that time, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi appealed to the nation, urging citizens to remain where they were, stay safe, and not worry about food supplies or essential necessities, assuring them that the country had sufficient reserves to manage the crisis.
Most citizens will remember those circumstances.
A Growing Humanitarian Crisis
However, as time passed, conditions continued to worsen. People desperately wanted to return to their families, while their loved ones remained deeply concerned about their safety and well-being.
The government appeared cautious about reopening transportation services because of fears that large public gatherings could accelerate the spread of the pandemic. Consequently, efforts were focused on keeping people wherever they were.
Meanwhile, frustration and anxiety among migrant workers and ordinary citizens continued to increase. In many places, shortages of food and essential resources became a serious concern. During this difficult period, voluntary organizations and social groups stepped forward to provide assistance and relief.
Eventually, many people began walking long distances to return to their homes. Early incidents were reported in Gujarat, and later the widely discussed gathering near Bandra in Mumbai drew national attention to the crisis.
Early Warning of the Crisis
According to this account, Mr. Ravi G. Nigam anticipated the seriousness of this situation within approximately five days of the lockdown.
Through editorials published on the Association’s news portal, he reportedly warned that unless timely measures were taken, widespread unrest and large-scale migration among migrant workers and ordinary citizens could become inevitable.
Unfortunately, these warnings did not receive significant attention at the time.
The Important Proposal of 14 April 2020
On 14 April 2020, Mr. Ravi G. Nigam reportedly sent a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) proposal via email to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and prominent opposition leaders.
The proposal included recommendations such as:
- Special train services for migrant workers.
- Employment opportunities through the MGNREGA scheme.
- A coordinated national strategy for crisis management.
Notably, the widely discussed Bandra incident also occurred on the same day.
Launch of the Shramik Special Trains
The following day, positive developments relating to employment measures under MGNREGA began to emerge. Subsequently, announcements were made regarding the introduction of special train services for migrant workers.
In the months that followed, these services were launched under the name “Shramik Special Trains,” helping millions of migrant workers and citizens return to their home states.
Proposal for a Disaster Management Committee
At that time, pandemic management was largely concentrated at the highest levels of government.
Mr. Ravi G. Nigam proposed the formation of a dedicated “Disaster Management Committee.” According to the proposal, the committee should include experts, professionals, and non-political individuals from various fields to ensure that relief measures and public policies could be implemented more effectively, transparently, and responsibly.
It has also been stated that letters concerning this proposal were sent to the Supreme Court of India. Over time, disaster management mechanisms became more structured and organized, although overall control largely remained within the existing governmental framework.
Work Carried Out Behind the Scenes
These examples represent efforts that were undertaken behind the scenes and received limited public recognition.
Later, the “Shramik Special Trains” became widely known and publicly celebrated. However, in my view, the suggestions and initiatives that contributed to the development of these solutions were never adequately acknowledged.
The Question of Historical Recognition
I believe that the ideas, recommendations, and efforts that contributed to facilitating the return of stranded citizens—both within India and from abroad—deserve their rightful place in history.
Had timely measures not been taken, the humanitarian consequences could have been significantly more severe, and the economic crisis could have deepened further. At that time, India’s GDP was already experiencing an unprecedented decline, and conditions could have become far more challenging.
The Difference Between Politics and Public Service
Friends, this is the difference between merely engaging in politics and genuinely working in the public interest.
If a social worker and a social organization can contribute meaningful ideas and practical solutions without holding government office, political power, or administrative authority, then one can imagine the positive transformation that could be achieved with public support and democratic representation.
Our Appeal
With this belief, I appeal to all workers, farmers, employees, youth, and responsible citizens across the country to join this movement.
- Strengthen the organization.
- Become a volunteer.
- Obtain membership.
- Contribute according to your ability and capacity.
Our Commitment
Let us work together to build a system where labor is respected, justice is accessible, opportunities are equal, and public welfare remains the highest priority.
Thank You.
