Smart Cards for migrant labourers soon

KOCHI: In an effort to ensure transparency and speedy redressal of the grievances involving migrant labourers, the Labour Department is all set to introduce smart cards to thousands of migrant workers who are flocking to the state from various parts of the country in search of better fortunes.The new project is being introduced after the much-hyped identity card initiative was found ineffective. The Labour Department has already begun the process and the final product is expected to be out in six months.“Though it will be a laborious task to provide smart cards, we have a proposal to complete the whole process within six months,” Regional Joint Labour Commissioner Vincent Alex said.He noted that no one would be able to hire a migrant labourer who does not have a smart card. “We are going to strictly enforce this. No migrant labourer would be allowed to work without the smart card,” Alex said.Moreover, if one employs a migrant labourer without a smart card, then the former would be made liable to all the consequences thereafter. The smart cards would be of great benefit to the migrant labourers.It would contain all details about the labourer, including his identity and place of residence, Alex added. Identity cards for migrant farmers were issued by the UDF government as part of implementing the ‘Kerala Migrant Workers Welfare Scheme’.The smart cards would be issued free-of-cost through Akshaya centres. “As of now, migrant labourers need not approach the Labour Department for the identity cards. Moreover, the department has some restrictions in going to their workplace and issuing cards. As Akshaya centres are present everywhere, the labourers will have no difficulty in getting the smart cards, Alex said and added that the labourers would automatically go for smart cards once it becomes mandatory.The officials in the Labour Department said that they would be able to know the exact number of migrant labourers in the state once the smart cards are issued. Moreover, the smart cards would help the authorities get details in case of any criminal activity or emergency involving migrant labourers, they said.