THE IMMIGRANT LABOURERS: WORK AND LIFE

Kerala has been leading other states in literacy. Educated Keralites were finding it difficult to get suitable job opportunities within the state because there were not many major industrial and commercial establishments in this small state. Density of population, non-availability of land and other factors make Kerala a not favourable destination for establishment of major industries. Agriculture was the major source of living in the older days. Agricultural lands were shrinking due to urbanisation and educated Keralites turn to other more remunerative jobs. While the educated and skilled Keralites migrated in large numbers to far off places like the Gulf countries, America and Europe, there was shortage of man power in Kerala. Thus the better living conditions and comparative higher wages attracted labour from other states including the far flung North East states to Kerala.

Photo Courtesy: www.indianexpress.com

The problems faced by the migrant labourers are many which needs attention from the government. The living conditions of the immigrant workers are pathetic. The labourers are brought to Kerala in large numbers by man power suppliers. The problems start from here. These agents take commission from the labourers as well as the employers.  The employers prefer migrant labourers to local people because they are found to be more hard working that too for lesser wages. Due to high unemployment problems in their home states, workers from other states are prepared to work even for very low wages in Kerala. This situation is exploited by the job providers.

Until a few years back, the immigrant labourers to Kerala were mostly from Tamilnadu. Of late, there was a change in the attitude of employers who prefer labour force from North Indian states. Food and accommodation are the major problems faced by the immigrant labourers in Kerala. Hotel and eateries cater only Kerala style dishes whereas people from the North prefer dishes made of wheat. Large number of immigrant labourers work in construction sites, bridges and roads, hotels etc. One can see North Indians working as suppliers, cooks and cleaners in hotels. Majority of these labourers are working in cities like Cochin, Calicut, Trichur and Trivandrum. At the same time immigrant labourers are also seen even in small villages and interior Kerala, where their living conditions are better. In most of the cities accommodation is a major issue. The workers of construction site are seen working round the clock. There are no fixed working hours and the workers live at the construction sites itself in make-shift tents in large numbers. The sanitary and hygienic conditions of these sites are very poor leading to various health issues. Food is prepared in non hygienic conditions and good drinking water is not provided by the contractor. All these lead to the spread of epidemics such as viral fever, dysentery etc. With smaller wages workers find it difficult to approach hospitals for treatments. Many employers do not care for the health and welfare of their workers. They only want the work to be finished on time. It is reported that sleeplessness and lack of rest are also leading to many health issues among the workers. The high cost of travel to home states keeps them away from their families for longer periods. This leads to even psychological problems. Many of them have to support their families financially. They send most of their earnings to their families and the wage earners are left with very little to meet their day to day needs.

It is high time the government turned to the issues faced by the immigrant labourers. The officials of the concerned departments should intervene and make sure that the immigrant labourers are freed from exploitation and that they are properly paid. They should also ensure that the employees are provided with good airy accommodation and hygienic living condition. The officials from the labour department needs to inspect worksites, hotels etc and ensure that all the labour rules are implemented. The workers should be provided with identity and health cards and subjected to health checkups by medical team. The government needs to play a major role in ensuring that the immigrant labour is better taken care of.