'Aaja Bhai wapas'; Kerala's workforce sector reels in migrant worker exodus

KOTTAYAM: Lakhs of migrant workers who left Kerala for voting in the elections are showing no signs of returning. They are reluctant despite being offered free air tickets and a wage hike by their employers. Unions estimate that more than ten lakhs Bengali and Assamese workers working in sectors such as construction, plywood, hotels, fruit, vegetable, fish and meat shops, and quarries have gone home to vote. Many Bengali workers who boarded a train to Kerala stopped their journey midway to return home after getting news of post-poll violence. They decided to delay the return to Kerala in order to protect their families.

As part of the SIR, there was a campaign that If not voted for, they would be removed from the list. Political parties had also promised to ensure employment and higher wages. There is also concern among migrant workers about missing out on the newly announced benefits if they leave the state. Many of these workers had been settled in Kerala for years, improving their financial situations during this time. The present situation points out that the workers are unlikely to return anytime soon.

The inability to complete houses and buildings on time is affecting both large and small construction sectors. The delay in house construction has also led to friction between contractors and homeowners. Hotels are facing a shortage of workers. The timber industry in Perumbavoor is also facing a setback. There is also a crisis in the cashew and import and export sectors.

In Kerala:

15 lakh Bengali migrant workers

12 lakh Assamese migrant workers

Earnings per year: Up to Rs 60,000 crore