Caritas India along with Welfare Service Ernakulam, social work department of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese and with the technical assistance of Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development, conducted a study on internal migrant workers in Ernakulam districts. To release the study and inaugurate the first migrant resource centre, Caritas India organised a webinar on 27^th August 2020 on virtual platform. The webinar was attended by Shri. T K Jose IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Home & Vigilance, Water Resources Department, Coastal Shipping & Inland Navigation Department, and Chairman KWA, Shri Pranab Jyoti Nath IAS, Labour Commissioner, Government of Kerala, His Grace Mar Antony Kariyil, Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, representatives from Civil Society Organisations, migrant workers and partners of Caritas India.

His Grace Mar Antony Kariyil CMI, Archbishop of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, said that the migrant workers are part of Kerala’s economy. They play an important role in the development. There are around 35 lakh internal migrant workers in Kerala and around 6 lakh are in Ernakulam. He acknowledged the great work done for the welfare of migrant workers and appreciated everyone who are working closely with migrant workers. He Inaugurated the first ever Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) which is called ‘PRAVASI BANDU’. The MRC will provide social, legal, cultural, emotional and psychological support to the internal migrant workers who come to Kerala from other states.

Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India said that it is our collective responsibility to support the people who are in need of care and support. Caritas India is looking forward to having many more MRC in the Kerala as well as in other states. During COVID-19 several researches have been conducted and it has unearthed some of the main challenges faced by migrant workers. Caritas India is going to take concrete actions to support migrant workers and one such action is setting up of Migrant Resource Centre and will connect with source and destination places. She along with her partner will journey with them so that they can get well integrated in the society.

Shri. T.K Jose IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of Kerala congratulated Caritas India and team for coming out with very informative report and he said that the findings will help in improving the existing schemes for migrant workers. There is lack of data with government. The outbreak of COVID-19 has exposed the need to have database, ensuring decent living environment, protective them from diseases and starting the employment opportunities for migrant workers. No society can progress keeping the large segment of society underprivileged and deprived. The findings will be used by the department of labour to design innovative and creative solutions to help migrant workers. He released the study report and handed over the first copy to Shri Pranab Jyotinath, the Labour Commissioner.

Shri. Pranab Jyoti Nath IAS, Labour Commissioner, Kerala Government appreciated Caritas India for opening the Migrant Resource Centre which is the need of the hour. He extended full support from labour department in this endeavour. He said that MRC will help them to integrate with larger society. One nation, one ration card will benefit them to access the government entitlements. He also requested to have such studies in other districts as well so that it can help to come up with comprehensive programs for the welfare of migrant workers.

Dr. Benoy Peter, Executive Director, CMID shared the key findings of the study. He said that 51% of interstate guest workers in Ernakulam district do not own land in their native states, while 16% are burdened by debt. Workers from Tamil Nadu, as a community, is one of the most vulnerable groups as 74.4% among them are landless and 31% are in debt. Workers from Tamil Nadu also had a high number of illiterates (43.7%). The collective bargaining power was found to be minimal as 95.3% had no membership in trade unions (TU). None of the workers surveyed had heard about the Interstate Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme (ISMWWS) launched by the state government in 2010. This shows that Kerala has sound policies and schemes but the reach among the intended sections are poor.

Mr. Nithin Norbert, Area Manager of Indian Railway, Ernakulam shared the difficulties and challenges faced to send back the migrant workers to their respective states. There were private buses arranged by some people and they charged the workers to go back. Migrant workers are coming back, and they do not know the quarantine rules. The NGOs can help in this process and provide facilities to them.

Mr. Kishore James, migrant representative shared his experiences as migrant worker. He lives in Kerala since last 10 years. He said that the AAWAS card is not helping them to access the health schemes.  Language is a barrier for most of the migrants as they are not able to speak the local language. Wage is better but the access to health facilities remain as great challenge which needs immediate intervention.

Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Executive Director, KSSF spoke about the church responses in promoting welfare and rights of migrant workers. The church in Kerala has reached out to 65000 migrant workers with community kitchen, dry ration and sanitation kits during COVID-19. He expressed his support to the project in future initiatives.

Dr. Mathews Nampeli, DPC, National Health Mission, spoke about the services offered to migrant workers by health department. A program called ‘Adithi Devo bhava’ has been launched which focuses on screening of diseases and training of migrant link workers. 15 migrant link workers have been trained and 9 are rendering their services. To avoid the duplication, it is important that there is coordination between different stakeholders and service providers.

Mr. Rajesh Upadhyay, HoD, Caritas India, said that CI will look at the recommendations of the study and will also take up similar studies in other states of the country. The registration drive of migrant workers will be carried out as recommended in the study not only in Kerala but other states as well. Caritas India will also work to connect and link the source and destination states, and this will help in strengthening the partnership.

The webinar concluded with a vote thanks by Fr. Joseph Koluthuvellil, Executive Director, WSE.  Ms. Leeza from Caritas India moderated the webinar.

Welfare Service Ernakulam, social work department of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, with the support of Caritas Germany and Caritas India in partnership with Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development, has started a program called Sudhaar in 2019 for internal migrant workers. The program has reached out to thousands of migrant workers in the district of Ernakulam.

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