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Fig 3.16 Industry and Labour
District Wise ISM Workers in Kerala

Source: Labour Commissionerate

3.171 These ISM workers are engaged in different areas such as agriculture, construction, hotel and
restaurant, manufacturing and trade. In some cases migrant workers exceeds the number of domestic
workers employed. The 60% of the migrant workers are engaged in the construction sectors,8% are
working under manufacturing activities,7% under hotels and restaurants,2% each under trade and
agriculture and the remaining 21% is engaged under other activities.

Outlook for Industry and Labour

3.172 Scarcity of industrial land in Kerala can be addressed by utilising the unused land attached
to PSUs and societies and by building multi-storied industrial parks with sufficient infrastructure.
Uncultivable/unused land identified at district level can also be used. The focus would continue to be
pollution free, power saving, Green and Eco-Friendly parks for manufacturing / traditional industries,
with ethical and fair labour standards. Industrial effluent is a big issue. Development of systems for
management/recycling the industrial waste is essential.The traditional sector should be enhanced
by producing high value added, innovation driven,technology infused, design oriented, socially and
environmentally sustainable products like hand worked fabrics. Also cluster development, enhanced
wage rates and guidance form trained private players is required.Structural changes should be made
to industry by including high knowledge intensive manufacturing sector as well as service sector,
since both these sectors have high demand in Kerala. Establishment of Kerala as one of the most
attractive locations for business investment is a major objective.

3.173 To meet the increased demand for Khadi and Village industries goods in the state
,KVIB should ensure availability of raw materials for uninterrupted production of goods. Proper
mechanization and modernization shall be introduced in the sector in order to increase productivity
thereby decreasing cost of production and sustainable income to workers. Access to International
and National markets through e- commerce / Other effective marketing mechanism to be made .
Diversification of products and professionalism to be introduced in the sector. A detailed study may
be conducted for identifying the ensuing problems in khadi sector and suggesting remedial measures
for the sustainable development of sector.

Economic Review 2014