Maharashtra Targets Illegal Bangladeshi Migrants to Curb Abuse of Schemes

The Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Department has launched a significant operation aimed at addressing the issue of illegal Bangladeshi migrants residing in the state. This initiative follows a meeting with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and is based on a list of over 1,200 Bangladeshi nationals identified as living unlawfully in Maharashtra. The department issued a circular on October 20, 2023, detailing a special drive to tackle the growing number of migrants exploiting government schemes.

The operation is primarily focused on migrants who have managed to obtain official documents, enabling them to access government benefits. This situation has raised concerns regarding the potential financial strain on the state, as well as security risks associated with undocumented individuals. The circular emphasized the urgent need to counteract the trend of Bangladeshi citizens seeking employment in Maharashtra.

Coordination with ATS and Verification Measures

In a previous meeting held in June, officials from the Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Department collaborated with the ATS to discuss strategies for addressing the influx of illegal migrants. The recent circular instructs department offices to conduct in-house brainstorming sessions aimed at developing effective verification measures. A blacklist of illegal Bangladeshi migrants will be created to prevent them from accessing state welfare schemes.

Department officers are mandated to cross-check the names of individuals against the list of 1,274 illegal migrants provided by the ATS. If any migrants are found to possess official documentation, those documents must be promptly cancelled or suspended, and the ATS must be notified of these actions.

Public Display and Reporting Requirements

To enhance transparency and facilitate public awareness, the list of illegal migrants will be made available on the department’s website. Officials have been instructed to pay particular attention to cases where ration cards have been issued based on recommendations from local representatives. In such instances, a thorough verification of documents and residency is essential.

Each office within the department is required to submit a quarterly report to the government detailing the progress of this operation. The initiative not only aims to ensure compliance with immigration regulations but also seeks to uphold the integrity of social welfare programs in Maharashtra. By addressing these challenges, the state aims to safeguard its resources while maintaining security and support for its citizens.