Labouring for a law

KOCHI: With the High Court order calling for a strict vigil on migrant labourers in the state, the Labour Department has speeded up the procedures for issuing smart identity cards within six months.  The department has also recommended to the Labour Minister to bring in a separate law making identity cards mandatory for any migrant labourer who wants to work in the state.“At present we are issuing 250 cards per day. We will complete the process within six months. It will be made mandatory for any employer to bring them to the department office and register the name and acquire identity card,” Regional Joint Labour Commissioner Vincent Alex said.According to sources, in a recent meeting held between the Labour Minister and higher officials of the department, it was recommended that a law be made to make identity cards mandatory for all those who come to work from other states.The minister has promised that action would be taken so that migrant labourers can be registered and monitored, sources said. Around 10 lakh persons from other states reside in Kerala and the department could officially trace only 10 percent of their actual number.  A separate law will be made making identity card mandatory for all migrant labourers, sources said. “Once this law comes into force, labourers from other states who fail to carry with them their identity card will be penalised. The employer, who fails to insist on identity cards, will also face action,” they said.