Surat: Expressing concern over the hardship faced by migrant workers from Bihar, Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan said he felt pained that people from the state were forced to travel thousands of kilometres to earn as little as Rs 10,000 a month.Khan clarified that he was not opposed to people moving to other states for employment, but stressed that workers should not be compelled to leave their homes merely to earn a modest livelihood.“I feel bad when a worker has to go all the way to Ladakh to construct a road for a salary of Rs 10,000. People should travel to different parts of the country to learn and understand India better. But there should be enough development in our state so that people can earn near their homes,” Khan said.The Governor was in Surat to inaugurate the Energy Power Electrical Expo 2026, organised by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), on Friday.Pointing to Surat’s massive migrant workforce, Khan said nearly seven lakh workers from Bihar were currently employed in the city. “There is no shortage of intelligence or hard work among our people. That is why I urge industry and business leaders to give attention to Bihar. We have everything — we just need a guiding force,” he said.Highlighting Bihar’s renewed push for industrial growth, Khan said “It takes time to undo the damage and restart the development process. But the enthusiasm is there, and those who come to Bihar will receive full support.”
