Interstate Migrant Workers In Kerala: A Study On Their Quality Of Life And Welfare Measures

Abstract

The movement by people from one place to another with the intent of settling temporarily or permanently in the new location for diverse reasons is termed as “Human Migration”. The Constitution of India guarantees liberty of movement for all citizens. The foundational principles of free migration are enshrined in clauses (d) and (e) of Article 19(1) of the Constitution, which guarantee all citizens the right to move freely throughout the territory of India, and reside and settle in any part of the territory of India. It is estimated that nearly 31.5 million interstate migrant workers have become an essential part of Kerala’s economy and work force. The state also offers the highest wages for migrant workers for jobs in the unorganised sector in the entire Indian subcontinent. This study examines the interstate labour migration to Kerala, welfare measures taken by the government of Kerala to promote the social security, health and living standards of these workers based on the available secondary evidence.