Kerala, the state in India known for its literacy rate , better healthcare system and better social indicators is also one of the contributors of India’s growth . Now, the most critical issue that Kerala faces is the increasing maternal mortality rate which leads to low live births but what is the real issue of less number of child births?
The maternal deaths were 47 reported in April to August last year, while this year it is 44.Nine Maternal deaths were reported in Palakkad , six maternal deaths were reported in Thrissur, six in Malappuram, five in Kozhikode and five in Kasaragod . Out of 44 maternal deaths reported from April to August 2024, three were from urban areas and 42 from rural areas, based on the usual place of residence of the pregnant women. This declining child births encounter many problems but migration will be the one of the biggest issues of the less number of child births in Kerala currently . Flooding youth to other countries leaving Kerala with the highest number of aging population like China. The aging of the Kerala population is visible with an increase in the older population and a decrease in the younger age group. The median age of the estimated population is 39 years with a standard deviation of ± 21.34. This is similar to China’s median age in 2023 at 39.8 percent. The median age of Kerala in 2011 was 31 years . The migration of kerala started with less number of job opportunities in the state . The people, especially in the Malabar region started migration to the gulf countries in search of job opportunities . This migration later expanded to other countries like Canada, United states, Australia and Europe . The migration to these countries drained the skilled professionals in Kerala which forced them to migrate for better job opportunities and living standards . This not only affected the economy negatively but also the migration to other countries paved the way for the people from the other states to come to Kerala for seeking labour opportunities . This can lead to the slow decline of Kerala's traditional and cultural way of living . The north of kerala has the highest rate of migration according to the kerala’s migration survey 2023. Tirur in Malappuram district has scored to be in the lead position in the immigration of large numbers of people in 2023 .
The reasons behind the migration can be the economic opportunity such as high paying jobs , greater lifestyles such as government policies which support the migrants abroad . One of the other reasons can be educational opportunities and quality of education abroad . Kerala is high with literacy but lacks job opportunities for the youth that are passing out every year after their higher education . Lack of facilities in educational institutions , Lack of R&D can also be included . Kerala’s crime rate is increasing day by day, the people are migrating to other countries because of the better safety and cultural exposure . The inclusive society that welcomes Kerala's youth is the most welcoming reason for the migrations abroad. Kerala being one of the progressive states also holds a cultural backup of traditional and social norms which is difficult to adopt by today’s youth. Creating an inclusive society can reduce the migration of the youth abroad .
Some policy interventions are needed to address this issue . The policies should be created for specific sectors such as IT, Manufacturing , tourism, healthcare etc. Offering tax incentives for the returnees from the foreign countries is one of the solutions . Creating employment opportunities by encouraging startup companies is also one of the important aspects to attract the migrated individuals to Kerala . Paying the minimum salary amount according to the qualifications of the people should also be taken care of . Special skilling programmes for youth should be arranged by the government . The government needs a solid plan to enable immigrants to return to Kerala and live in the state . Increasing employment, assisting small businesses and providing financial incentives can help the people to come back. The transition will be facilitated by acknowledging their abilities, offering assistance through support centres, and maintaining ties with the Kerala diaspora. Kerala's development can benefit from their international experience in luring investments and creating unique business zones. It is also critical to change perceptions about migration and highlight the advantages of remaining in Kerala. In addition to bringing people back, a well packed program will support the state's expansion and advancement.