Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID) in Kochi slammed Chief Minister V.D . Satheesan's remarks on migrant workers in Kerala . CM had downplayed workers' financial contributions, calling them minimal reverse remittances. CMID insists these funds,earned by migrants working long hours for low pay,are real remittances.
CMID executive director Benoy Peter noted remittances from Malayali expatriates hit ₹2.16 lakh crore,while migrants contribute ₹52,000 crore . He criticized CM's comments,which seemed to trivialize migrant needs by saying they only need wheat flour, onions, and liquor. Peter highlighted that most migrants come from rice-eating regions, and few drink alcohol.
Peter pointed out migrant workers spend about one-third of their earnings in Kerala. Rent,mobile bills,food,transport. All add up. Keralites run many buses for migrants from Odisha,Jharkhand, West Bengal,generating big money. With 10,000 migrants traveling weekly at ₹2,500 a ticket,revenue isn't small .
He reminded that Kerala is "money order economy," built on sacrifices of Keralites who left for far-off places. Quoting late poet Kadamanitta Ramakrishnan,Peter stressed these workers' roles in shaping state's identity.
Peter directly urged Chief Minister Satheesan to reconsider his stance,fearing misinformation might've shaped his view. He asked CM to correct misconceptions, as many trust his leadership. But will he listen…?
