Separate registration for migrant workers working in Kerala is not possible and will turn detrimental to Keralites working in other States, Minister for Labour Shibu Baby John told the Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to questions in the House, the Minister said citizens of the country had the right to work anywhere and it was not possible for the Labour Department to carry out separate registration.
The proposed Kerala Migrant Workers Social Security Act will enable the registration of those who bring in these workers from other States.
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The minimum wages are not being denied to them here. In fact, the Minister said, better wages and prompt payment are what attract them to Kerala. Law and order issues created by them need to be tackled.
Intervening in the debate, Minister for Home and Vigilance Ramesh Chennithala said the Home Department was keeping a vigil on them. The Special Branch was monitoring their activities. The police are interacting with migrant workers at Perumbavoor, Aluva, and Angamaly.
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In a written reply to another question, the Home Minister said there was no ongoing inquiry in the palmolein case. Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson’s statement against former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was not factual. Mr. Chennithala said the final report submitted by the Vigilance in the Vigilance Court at Thrissur is under the consideration of the court.
Finance Minister K.M. Mani informed the House that pension to the tune of Rs.2,749.89 crore is due to various sections in the State.
Ship service
The government is considering instituting a ship service between Kerala and the Middle East to counter the recent “unreasonable” hikes in airfares announced by several airlines, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the Assembly.
He was replying to a submission moved by Palode Ravi.
Though it would take more travel time and may lead to financial losses, it was worth considering the idea of a ship service to the Gulf countries.