People's commission expresses anguish over deportation of Indian immigrants, demands employment opportunities

By A Representative 

The People's Commission on Public Sector and Public Services (PCPSPS) has expressed strong concern and anguish over the recent deportation of Indian immigrants from the United States, particularly the arrival of the first batch of 203 individuals, including women and children, who were reportedly shackled.  The PCPSPS also highlighted the urgent need for increased employment opportunities within India.

The commission criticized the "humiliating" manner of the deportations and emphasized the need for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deportation of an estimated 18,000 more Indian immigrants expected to be returned to India. The PCPSPS statement questions whether the MEA has ascertained the facts and identities of Indian immigrants who have died during perilous journeys to the US and other countries, such as Russia.

The PCPSPS statement asserted that successive governments have failed to generate adequate employment opportunities, forcing many young Indians to seek work abroad, often through unregulated and exploitative intermediaries. The commission also pointed to reports of staff shortages in government, public enterprises, and public services, sectors it claims could generate lakhs of jobs.  The PCPSPS questioned the government's commitment to job creation, citing concerns about the "One Crore jobs" promised in the previous year's budget and the lack of progress on the promised Rs 15,000 monthly stipend for jobs.  The commission also raised the issue of missing Indian youth in Russia and the difficulties their families face in obtaining information and potential compensation.

The PCPSPS called on the government to address the issue of unemployment and questioned the "inexplicable" silence regarding the proliferation of unauthorized overseas job agents.  The commission contrasted India's apparent acceptance of the deportations with the symbolic protests registered by some Latin American countries.  It also questioned the government's priorities, citing substantial subsidies and concessions granted to US companies while Indian citizens face deportation.

The PCPSPS acknowledged the contributions of talented Indians to the US economy but stressed that this should not justify the "humiliation" of unskilled workers. The commission urged the MEA to negotiate with the US administration to consider the contributions of immigrants and legalize their stay where possible, given the "over-friendly moves" made by India to accommodate US companies.  The PCPSPS also suggested that India should have arranged for the dignified return of its citizens.

The commission emphasized that globalization should not be one-sided and that the US should acknowledge its dependence on markets like India.  The PCPSPS urged a transparent and constructive public and parliamentary discussion on the large-scale deportations.

The PCPSPS includes academics, jurists, former administrators, trade unionists, and social activists.  This statement was released by Thomas Franco, former General Secretary of the All India Bank Officers’ Confederation, on behalf of the PCPSPS.