Karnataka continues to be a magnet for migrant workers from various states across India, underscoring the region's robust economic growth and expanding infrastructure sector. Recent data from the state labor department reveals that 46,393 migrant workers from over 30 states and union territories have registered with various welfare boards. The majority of these workers come from West Bengal, with 10,730 individuals primarily employed in the construction sector. This is followed by significant contributions from Bihar (9,489 workers) and Jharkhand (6,021 workers). Other notable contributors include Uttar Pradesh (3,845) and Odisha (3,508).
A considerable portion of these migrant workers is engaged in Bengaluru's thriving construction industry, which is pivotal for large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects, including the expansion of the Metro system, road development, and the construction of extensive residential and commercial complexes. Additionally, the number of gig workers registered in the state stands at 10,475, with 1,316 of these individuals hailing from other states. Among the gig workforce, Assam leads with 296 registered workers, followed by Odisha with 275 workers and West Bengal with 136. These gig workers primarily serve as bike-taxi riders and food delivery executives, illustrating the diverse employment landscape available within Karnataka.
Despite these official figures, labor department officials indicate that the actual number of migrant workers is likely higher, particularly in Bengaluru, where a significant concentration of such workers resides. Notably, there has yet to be a comprehensive survey to accurately assess the total number of migrant workers across various sectors in the state. This absence of data creates challenges in understanding the full scope of the migrant workforce's impact on the local economy. Under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act of 1979, employers are mandated to secure prior permission from the assistant commissioner of the labor department before hiring inter-state migrant workers, ensuring compliance with labor regulations.
The Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has registered a total of 40,945 migrant workers, providing them with a range of social security benefits. These benefits include a monthly pension of INR 3,000 for members above 60, family pensions for dependents of deceased members, skill training, maternity assistance, and funeral expenses coverage. Additionally, the board offers educational scholarships for workers' children, ranging from INR 1,000 to INR 60,000 depending on the course of study, alongside insurance schemes and preventive healthcare programs. These measures aim to enhance the welfare of registered workers and address concerns regarding job opportunities for local residents, as highlighted by Labour Minister Santos, amid discussions on the balance between migrant and local employment.