British High Commissioner launches Responsible Migration Project

Ranchi: The British High Commissioner to India, Dominic Asquith, Tuesday launched a Responsible Migration project at the Orient Craft factory in Ranchi. The project, jointly funded by the UK Government and Marks & Spencer, will support Indian partner – the NGO Partnering Hope into Action (PHIA) Foundation – implement a research study and awareness-building programs for factory workers and communities in Jharkhand and Gurgaon.

Many workers from Jharkhand migrate to larger cities, including Delhi-NCR, for jobs in garment factories or employment as a domestic worker. In addition to the uncertainty around finding a steady job, they are often vulnerable to exploitative living and working conditions.

By mapping the stakeholders involved in recruitment and measuring the scale of the issue in the ready-made garment sector, the project will look to strengthen communities and tackle the problems they face through policy advocacy and awareness. Speaking on the occasion, Dominic Asquith said: “I am delighted to launch this project alongside well-known British brand Marks & Spencer. Initiatives like this help promote responsible employment practices and cleaner supply chains.

The UK Government remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable workers across the globe. The UK and India are working together, as a Global Force for Good, to build a future where forced labour and exploitation are truly a thing of the past.”

Nidhi Dua, Head of India Region, Marks & Spencer, said: “We’re only as strong as the communities in which we operate and at Marks & Spencer we’re committed to paying a fair price to our suppliers, supporting local communities and ensuring good working conditions in our supply chain.

As one of the first international brands to source from Jharkhand we’re passionate about the community and we believe researching into and promoting responsible migration will have a really positive impact so we’re proud to be working collaboratively with the British High Commission and PHIA.”