Treasa George, LL.M., Government Law College, Ernakulam
ABSTRACT
Human migration is an inevitable phenomenon in this day and age. Migration can be either permanent or temporary, within one’s country of origin or beyond the country. Internal migration is more prevalent in India, with intra- state and inter-state migration being the two categories. The vulnerability of migrant workers is evident in the form of low wages, long working hours, and lack of safety measures. Men and women show differences in their migratory behaviours, opportunities, and also face different challenges, and it is becoming increasingly obvious that migration is not a gender-neutral phenomenon. Patriarchy plays a significant role in the migrating pattern of women. There are only a few schemes and policies for the betterment of migrant workers, and the Inter-State Migrant Workers Act, 1979, which aims to safeguard migrants, is hardly enforced. This paper sheds light on human rights issues, specifically gender concerns, connected to inter-state migration in India. Also, special emphasis is placed on migrant women in Kerala.
