Migration, Wellbeing and Impact of The Covid-19: A Study of Uttarakhand Migrants in Delhi

Aim and Objectives: The research aims to understand the profile of out-migrants, including their migration process and job search routes. It will examine employment characteristics at the destination, such as the nature of employment, sectors, wages, earnings, and working and living conditions. Additionally, the study will explore the linkage with their place of origin, focusing on remittances, social connections, and visits.

The impact of out-migration on wellbeing will be assessed, with an emphasis on improved life standards, inter-generational mobility, and the education and skill levels of their children, as well as health, housing, and living conditions. The research will also analyze the effects of COVID-19 on migrants’ livelihoods, incomes, and coping strategies.

Furthermore, the response of the government, employers, other agencies, and family support in addressing economic and health crises during the pandemic will be examined. The study will conclude by suggesting policies aimed at improving the lives and wellbeing of migrants.

Methodology: The study utilized both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 400 migrants across 13 low-income localities in Delhi. Secondary data included publications from state governments, journal articles, books, newspaper articles, and other relevant sources.

Key Findings:

• Migrant workers often denied entitlements, forming the poorest and most disadvantaged sections.
• Lack of credible data on migrants hinders welfare efforts.
• Need for national and state-level databases on migrant workers, regularly updated with details on gender, age, employment status, sector, education, and skills.

• Universal access to welfare schemes needed, aligning with the One Nation One Ration Card initiative.
• Migrants often have identification documents but lack access to benefits due to absence of local documents.

• Majority employed in low-paying, unorganized private sectors without job or social security.
• High job loss rates during COVID-19 highlight employment vulnerability.

• High healthcare costs during the pandemic.

• Uttarakhand’s Veer Chandra Garhwali Yojana offers microcredit for sustainable employment in tourism.
• Effective implementation and showcasing success stories are crucial for attracting out-migrants back.
• Adopting Himachal Pradesh’s development model can generate employment and reduce youth out-migration.

• The pandemic highlighted migration issues, necessitating policy focus on migrant wellbeing and aspirations, especially for youth.
• Majority of migrants foresee no future in their native villages due to lack of opportunities, education, medical facilities, connectivity, and harsh living conditions.
• A minority (4%) see potential for employment and income opportunities in Uttarakhand if the state government provides proper support.

Policy Recommendations:

1. Create National and State-Level Migrant Databases: Regularly update databases with comprehensive details to ensure effective distribution of welfare services to migrants.
2. Universal Access to Welfare Schemes: Ensure that migrants can benefit from welfare schemes regardless of local documentation issues, providing them with necessary support.
3. Introduce Social Protection and Income Guarantees: Implement schemes that offer social protection and income guarantees to safeguard migrants from employment vulnerabilities.
4. Initiate Health Insurance for Migrants: Implement state-supported health insurance schemes to reduce the healthcare expenditure burden on migrants.
5. Promote and Implement Self-Employment Schemes: Effectively implement self-employment schemes, such as the Veer Chandra Garhwali Yojana, and showcase successful cases to build trust and encourage return migration.
6. Align Policies with Migrants’ Aspirations: Focus on the well-being and aspirations of migrants to create effective future policies that address their needs and goals.