Migrant workers shape Kerala’s growth amid challenges and social gaps
KAAM AUR KAHANI : The story of migrant workers in Kerala
Migrant laborers from Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and West Bengal have increased in Kerala, known for its development model. This documentary, shot in Aluva, Ernakulam, Perumbavoor, and Kottayam, shows them living in colonies, working on building sites, running tiny hotels, and attending their own language worship services. For many, Kerala offers better wages and a safer environment, leading them to slowly bring their families and settle here.
However, this transition is not without its struggles. Employers exploited migrant workers by withholding wages after jobs, providing poor living conditions, and restricting access to healthcare. Some people also treated them without basic respect. On the other hand, locals express concern about rising crimes, drug trafficking, road accidents, and lack of identity verification among newcomers. Police officials and labour authorities interviewed in the film pointed out both the gaps in monitoring and the need for better legal enforcement, registration systems, and community-level engagement.
Migrants in Kerala: Contribution, Culture, and the Challenge of Acceptance
Ultimately, the documentary reveals a double-edged truth. Migrants are contributing to Kerala’s economy—filling gaps as native workers move abroad. They are becoming part of the culture and daily life, yet they remain on the margins when it comes to legal recognition and social acceptance. Without proper documentation, policy updates, and awareness, tensions may deepen. The question remains—how can Kerala ensure a future where growth, harmony, and justice walk hand in hand?
In conclusion, Kaam Aur Kahani sheds light on the complex reality of migrant life in Kerala—a narrative marked by opportunity, hardship, and resilience. While migrant workers play a vital role in sustaining the state’s economy, their integration into society remains incomplete without legal safeguards and social inclusion. Bridging the gap between locals and migrants requires informed policy, empathy, and community involvement. Only then will Kerala build a future where economic growth matches social harmony and justice for all.
Copyrights: All the photos and text in this post are copyright of Adithya A and Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film. Their reproduction, full or part, is forbidden without the explicit approval of rightful owners.
