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The COVID-19 Pandemic and Internal Labour Migration in India: A ‘Crisis of Mobility’

Author

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  • S. Irudaya Rajan

    (Centre for Development Studies)

  • P. Sivakumar

    (Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development)

  • Aditya Srinivasan

    (Centre for Development Studies)

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on migration. The rapid spread of the pandemic caught countries across the world off guard, resulting in widespread lockdowns that clamped down on mobility, commercial activities and social interactions. In India, the pandemic precipitated a severe ‘crisis of mobility’, with migrant labourers in many major cities seeking to return to their hometowns. Their desperate attempts to return home by any means available rendered the lockdown ineffective in several areas, prompting clashes with authorities, last-minute policy relief and, eventually, the arrangement of transport measures. This paper aims to shed light on the vulnerability of India’s internal migrants in terms of their mobility, gender and mental health. In addition, it critically analyses the limitations of public policy in addressing migrants and suggests recommendations for the way ahead.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Irudaya Rajan & P. Sivakumar & Aditya Srinivasan, 2020. "The COVID-19 Pandemic and Internal Labour Migration in India: A ‘Crisis of Mobility’," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 63(4), pages 1021-1039, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:63:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s41027-020-00293-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-020-00293-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Zovanga L Kone & Maggie Y Liu & Aaditya Mattoo & Caglar Ozden & Siddharth Sharma, 2018. "Internal borders and migration in India," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 18(4), pages 729-759.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Zeliha Özlü-Erkilic & Oswald D. Kothgassner & Thomas Wenzel & Andreas Goreis & Anthony Chen & Veysi Ceri & Aylin Fakhr Mousawi & Türkan Akkaya-Kalayci, 2021. "Does the Progression of the COVID-19 Pandemic Have an Influence on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Young People? A Cross-Sectional Multicenter Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-14, December.
    3. Ajit Jha, 2021. "Vulnerability of Construction Workers During COVID-19: Tracking Welfare Responses and Challenges," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 64(4), pages 1043-1067, December.
    4. Puja Krishna & Aditya Raj, 2022. "Health Condition of Internal Migrants in India: A Review," Indian Journal of Human Development, , vol. 16(1), pages 169-179, April.
    5. Irudaya S. Rajan & Pooja Batra & Reddy Sai Shiva Jayanth & Tharatha Moolayil Sivadasan, 2023. "Understanding the multifaceted impact of COVID‐19 on migrants in Kerala, India," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 41(1), January.

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