KOCHI: The state government has requested the Kerala High Court to allow additional time of six months to complete registration of interstate migrant workers in Kerala, under the Interstate Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act.
In September last year, the court had granted four months’ time to complete the process. The order was issued based on a petition filed by Thiruvankulam-native Sreekala, seeking a directive to the government to initiate steps to prepare a register of interstate migrant workers, with all details including photo identity card. The petitioner alleged incidence of crimes involving migrant workers was on the rise in the state, and sought a directive to ensure that employers provide accommodation and medical facilities to workers hailing from the other states. The petitioner also demanded that all information pertaining to the principal employer, contractors and workers be maintained on a web portal.
“Steps have been taken to register migrant workers under the Awaz health insurance scheme. But, more time is required to complete the project,” stated the government.
The Awaz scheme was announced by the Governor in June 2016, envisaged to issue insurance-linked identity cards featuring QR code, chip and unique identification number. Once registered, data collected from the migrant workers will be accessible to various government departments, including the Home Department.
“The Labour Commissioner has been directed to conduct an e-tender to select an agency for the supply and printing of insurance-linked identity cards.