Kochi: The Kerala High Court has acknowledged the significant contributions of migrant workers to the state's development while addressing concerns raised about unregistered migrant labourers. The court's stance came during a hearing on a petition related to the engagement of unregistered migrant workers in the Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market in Nettoor.
Justice Devan Ramachandran, presiding over the case, emphasized that the court was not against migrant labourers, recognizing the crucial role they play in sustaining the state. He pointed out that the reluctance of many locals to engage in hard labour was due to ego issues, making the contribution of migrant workers indispensable.
The case was brought to the court's attention by a headload worker associated with the Kerala Headload Workers Welfare Board, who expressed concerns about the unauthorized engagement of migrant workers in the market. The petitioner highlighted that these workers were not registered under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act 1979.
Additionally, the petitioner raised issues about the construction of dwellings inside the market for migrant workers, alleging illegal activities such as drug use and consumption of intoxicating liquor. The court took these concerns seriously, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent such incidents from recurring.
During the hearing, Justice Ramachandran questioned the authority under which the migrant workers occupied the area, expressing a genuine interest in finding a solution without adversely affecting the workers. The court called upon the District Collector and Chairman of the Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market to investigate the allegations and submit their findings within three weeks.
With an estimated 2.5 million migrant workers currently employed in Kerala, the court's decision carries significant implications for both the state's economy and the well-being of the workers. Most of these workers come from regions such as Bengal, North East states, UP, Orissa, and Bihar.
The court's balanced approach seeks to address concerns about illegal activities while acknowledging the vital role played by migrant workers, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case has been scheduled for further proceedings after a month, allowing authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry and present their findings to the court.
As Kerala continues to grapple with the complexities of migrant labour issues, the court's stance emphasizes the importance of a fair and inclusive approach that considers both the concerns of the locals and the welfare of migrant workers.