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Kerala High Court Seeks Details on Migrant Worker Registration and Living Conditions

The Kerala High Court has requested detailed information from the state government regarding the registration process and living conditions of migrant workers in the state. This directive aims to ensure better regulation and improve the welfare of a significant and essential part of Kerala’s workforce.

Background

Migrant workers form a substantial portion of Kerala’s labor force, contributing significantly to the state’s economy. However, concerns have been raised about their living conditions and the adequacy of existing regulations. The state currently follows the Inter-State Migrant Labour Act of 1979, which mandates registration only if a contractor employs five or more workers. This has led to gaps in the comprehensive registration of migrant workers.

Court’s Directive

The High Court has asked the government to provide a detailed report on the measures being taken to register all migrant workers and to improve their living conditions. This includes steps taken to ensure that all migrant workers have access to necessary amenities and healthcare. The government has been considering new legislation to make the registration of all migrant workers mandatory, which will help bring more workers into the official records and provide them with better protection and benefits.

Current Initiatives

The state government is set to launch the ‘Athithi’ app, a comprehensive digital platform to register migrant workers and gather detailed information about their demographics and employment status. This app aims to streamline the registration process and provide migrant workers with access to various state-sponsored welfare schemes. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the healthcare access and living conditions for migrant workers, who often face significant health challenges due to poor living environments and job-related stress.

Implications

This move by the Kerala High Court underscores the importance of ensuring that migrant workers are adequately registered and that their living and working conditions are improved. It also highlights the state’s ongoing efforts to integrate migrant workers into the formal economy and provide them with the protections and benefits they deserve. By addressing these issues, Kerala aims to set a benchmark for other states in managing the welfare of migrant laborers.

This initiative is crucial not only for the welfare of the workers but also for the broader economic and social stability of the state, given the significant role migrant workers play in Kerala’s development.

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