A study conducted by the National Planning Commission (SPC) found that migrant workers work very long hours, with 53% of them working more than eight hours a day.
Most immigrant workers in the construction sector work nearly 10 hours a day. In terms of manufacturing, half of them work more than eight hours a day. In the service field, they work up to 12 hours a day.
The study was designed to identify migrant workers who moved to Chennai. What kind of jobs they find; their income level; and the living conditions they live when they work here. The report also found that higher incomes, lack of opportunities in the country and a better quality of life are some of the reasons why immigrants come to Tamil Nadu. It also provides advice on how the state government can support them.
One of the biggest concerns is that about 84% of workers surveyed do not have any written contracts. Many people do not receive any allowance/non-wage payments from their employers for food, travel or medical purposes. They also do not receive any Social Security benefits such as provident fund, health insurance and paid sick leave. Workplace hazards were reported by people in the construction department.
More than half of the migrant workers live in their workplaces in pathetic conditions. Eight out of 10 migrant workers live in Kutcha or semi-Puga houses with minimal facilities. Despite poor quality housing, migrant workers usually spend 15% of their monthly income on rent. Accessing the toilet is another important issue, and many workers have to rely on shared toilets.
According to the analysis conducted by SPC, on average, an immigrant worker in Chennai earns Rs 15,902 per month in 2024, which is higher than the poverty line than the family of four, with an estimated Rs 14,556 per month. According to the Indian government’s survey on household consumption expenditures 2022-23, researchers estimate that the poverty line in cities in India is Rs 3,639 in 2022-23 using the method proposed by the Rangarajan committee. Assuming the poverty line remains unchanged between 2022 – 2023 and 2024, the income required in Chennai in Chennai will be Rs 14,556 in 2024. The highest average income is migrant workers in the construction industry (Rs 18,696 per month), followed by the services sector (Rs 17,025 per month) and the manufacturing sector (Rs 14,534 per month).
Migrant workers said they had made a lot of money after moving to Chennai. They say they are able to spend more money on food, education and health for their families. Purchase assets such as land or houses in their hometown; repair assets; repay debts; and spend them on social events such as weddings.
Almost all migrant workers send money back to their families in their hometowns, but the amount of money they send is very different. “Of all migrant workers, nearly two-thirds of them send Rs 5,000 to their houses a month, while nearly one-quarter sends less than Rs 1,000 per month. About one-fifth of migrant workers send more than Rs 10,000 per month, or more than 60 per cent of their average monthly income,” the study said.
publishing – April 7, 2025 at 12:07 am IST
