Research
Transformation of ‘Migrant Labourers’ to ‘Guest Workers’ in Kerala: A Situational Analysis with Special Reference to the Kanjikode Iron Industries
Author:
Subhitha Menon
Mercy College, Palakkad, Kerala, IN
Abstract
The inflow of migrant labourers from Bihar to Kerala has been increasing
day-by-day, especially to the construction fields across the State. The
Kanjikode iron industrial area in the Palakkad district in Kerala is one of
these sought after areas where migrant labourers build their lives. Migrant
labourers from Bihar are one of the significant labour groups in the Kanjikode
iron industries. A situational analysis of migrant labourers from Bihar with
specific reference to the Kanjikode iron industries was done in 2008. The
intent was to analyse their living and working conditions, to study the health
and social problems faced by the migrant labourers, to assess their opinions
regarding protection of rights, and also to examine the availability of benefits.
In 2019, a another situational analysis was done with the same set of objectives
to understand the level of improvements, and how far they are being treated
as our ‘Guest Workers’ here in Kerala. The research design used for this
study was descriptive. The non-probability sampling procedure and the
convenient sampling method were adopted for both studies. The study noted
significant improvements in their working and living conditions, opinions
on the protection of rights, and in the availability of social security benefits.
The emergence of ‘Apna Ghar’, a residential project for migrant labourers
at Kanjikode, stands as a testimony to Kerala’s welcoming attitude.
How to Cite:
Menon, S., 2020. Transformation of ‘Migrant Labourers’ to ‘Guest Workers’ in Kerala: A Situational Analysis with Special Reference to the Kanjikode Iron Industries. Rajagiri Journal of Social Development, 12(2), p.None.
Published on
14 Dec 2020.
Peer Reviewed
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