“Struggle for Dignity”: Kerala Minister Flags Serious Rights Violations Against Migrant Workers

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Labour Minister V. Sivankutty has raised serious concerns over alleged human rights violations faced by migrant workers in northern states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana, stating that lakhs of labourers are being forced to protest not for better wages but for their basic right to live with dignity. Addressing the media, he alleged that authorities in these regions are suppressing workers’ protests through police action and intimidation instead of resolving their grievances. Highlighting issues such as low wages, rising living costs, and lack of essential support, Sivankutty called for urgent intervention from the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard workers’ rights, release detained labour leaders, and ensure fair wages and basic services. Emphasizing Kerala’s solidarity with migrant workers, he noted that the crisis goes beyond labour rights and reflects a deeper humanitarian concern over dignity and survival.