The workers can send a distress signal, if they need any help, by pressing the ‘I am not safe’ button on their phone app, else they can also mark themselves as ‘Safe’.

This message can be viewed by the police officials in real time, who can access them via the geolocation feature incorporated in the app.

“The app was developed by BTech-IT students at Sona College of Technology in less than two days at the request of Ms B Vijayakumari, IPS,  Commissioner of Police, Salem City”, according to Dr J Akilandeswari, Dean Academics and Professor of IT, Sona College of Technology.

In early March 2023, many migrant workers were returning to their hometowns and villages from the state, after rumours of attacks on migrant workers spread, creating panic. It is estimated that out of an estimated 4,000 migrant workers in Salem district nearly half of them downloaded the app in the first few days.

The team of students is testing the app for a wider reach and for other emergency situations. Tamil Nadu has over six lakh migrant workers, and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Minister of Skill development have assured their safety.

Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman, Sona Group of Institutions, said, “At the Sona College we encourage our students to apply their latest tech knowledge and skills in helping our communities. Easy to-use ‘Migrant Care’ app empowers Indian workers to feel and stay safe with the help of district police officials.”

Sona College teams are also exploring additional features that can be incorporated in the app in the future with inputs from the police department.

It may be recalled that Sona College of Technology is providing basic computer training to inmates of Salem Central Prison at the Computer Centre set up by IT services company Vee Technology.