Former Labour Minister and CPI(M) leader V. Sivankutty has strongly objected to Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s recent observation that large amounts of money earned in Kerala are flowing to other States through ‘reverse remittances’ and that migrant workers contribute mainly to the State economy through taxes generated from liquor consumption.
According to Mr. Sivankutty, such remarks unfairly insult migrant workers and portray them as an economic burden. “Migrant workers leave their homes and families to undertake difficult work in Kerala and receive only the legally due wages for their labour. Moreover, key sectors such as construction, infrastructure development and agriculture depend heavily on their contribution,” Mr. Sivankutty said at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (July 5, 2026).
On the other hand, the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) had consciously recognised them as “guest workers” and implemented several welfare and protection measures for their benefit, Mr. Sivankutty added.
Drawing a comparison with Keralite expatriates, the CPI(M) leader pointed out that the State’s economy itself depends substantially on remittances sent home by Keralites working across the world. While the State proudly celebrates its people finding employment elsewhere, it is contradictory to portray workers coming to Kerala from other States as an economic liability. Every Indian citizen, he said, has a constitutional right to work anywhere in the country and receive lawful wages.
Asserting that attempts to divide workers along regional or ethnic lines went against Kerala’s labour culture, Mr. Sivankutty demanded that the Chief Minister withdraw and correct his remarks immediately.
Published – July 05, 2026 04:45 pm IST
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