LARGE SETTLEMENT OF WORKERS FROM OTHER STATES IN KERALA

As per available information an estimated number of 50 lakhs migrant workers are in Kerala in 2023. Most of these workers are found in building construction work, brick kiln, plantation etc. According to an estimate of 2021 about 26 percent of the workforce in Kerala are migrant workers from other states. The remittance made by these workers to their homes is approximately Rs 7.5 billion per annum.

Of late, it has been found that good number of these workers involved in criminal activities like narcotics traffic, sexual assault, burglary etc.  Some of these migrant workers are reported to have used by political parties. We may find soon that a good number of these workers will move to become settled in Kerala permanently.

On the other hand it has been noticed that a large per cent of students from Kerala gone for higher studies in other countries like Canada, Australia, UK etc are trying to settle in the respective countries.  They are also reported to have taken their parents too there after disposing their properties. This may consequently bring down the PCI of the state and may cause a negative impact on our economy. As such the state government may provide due attention to the changing scenario and take corrective measures as needed. The practical solution for this is to bring in more investment to the state, for industries, business houses and infrastructure development. In order to attract investors, we must introduce more attractive environment for people to invest here. The most important among those should be to dismiss all trade union activities in the state. We must also stop the protests by blocking road traffic and closing shops and offices.

The government may find ways and means as early as possible to achieve this. The people may think about bringing down their involvement from political activities and enhancing their individual earnings. If not acted in time, our people may have to move to other states as migrant workers to clean their utensils, washing clothes etc. The fall of the state of Kerala may not be too far.

K V George 

K V George