The Kerala government has opened its first residential project for migrant labourers. The project that is worth Rs 8.5 crore has been completed in the Special Economic Zone in Kanjikode, Palakkad. It can accommodate over 600 people.

Migrant labourers form a major section of Kerala's human workforce. Over the last decade, the migrant workforce has almost replaced the domestic workforce in the construction sector. Growing infrastructure industry continues to invite more such labourers to the state.

As per multiple studies by government and other agencies, Kerala accommodates more than four million migrant labourers from various states. In a relatively smaller state with 3.44 crores population, 40 lakhs of migrant labourers have a considerable impact. However, despite of the increasing numbers, accommodating them have always been a challenge in the densely populated state.

Many labourers are forced to live in challenging conditions with limited facilities of water and sanitation. It was only over the last few years, the state government started to address this issue. Bhavanam project under the department of labour and skills was assigned with this task to provide residential projects for the migrant workers.

The first completed project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday. The hostel provides shared residential rooms with bunk beds, indoor bathrooms, toilets, clothes washing and drying areas, kitchens, mess areas, recreational facilities, etc. The hostel also has fire fighting system, rain water harvesting system, diesel generator system, 24 hours security and CCTV system. Two more projects are being completed -- one each -- in Kalamassery (Ernakulam) and Ramanattukara (Calicut).

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the Apna Ghar project "is a testimony of our welcoming attitude". Ahead of the inauguration, Vijayan visited the hostel and assessed the facilities being provided for the inmates.