TNI Bureau: The number of “Dadan” migrant labourers from Odisha working outside the state has increased significantly over the past year.

According to information presented in the State Assembly by Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, the figure has risen by nearly 22,000 within a year.

In 2024, about 70,142 Odia workers had migrated to other states for work. By the 2025 financial year, the number had increased to 94,106, reflecting a sharp rise in distress migration.

Among the districts, Balangir continues to record the highest number of migrant labourers. Even agriculture-rich districts like Bargarh have seen a notable increase. In 2024, around 49,998 labourers migrated from these districts, which rose to 65,309 in 2025.

Responding to a question by Goutam Buddha Das, the minister also said that 1,055 migrant workers were rescued in 2024, including 626 from Balangir and 153 from Nuapada. In 2025, another 1,078 workers were brought back, including 572 from Balangir and 134 from Nuapada. So far in 2026, 43 migrant workers have been rescued from other states.

To address the issue, the state government has formed a high-level task force under Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The panel has been tasked with recommending administrative measures to curb distress migration and ensure better support for migrant labourers.

The government is also working to create more employment opportunities within the state by linking workers with existing livelihood and self-employment schemes.

As part of these efforts, workdays under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme have been extended to 300 days to generate more jobs for rural labourers.