Internal Labour migration: opportunities and obstacles

Abstract

Migration of persons is a natural phenomenon given the prevalent regional imbalances in opportunities driven by development. This occurrence is witnessed worldwide, both within and across national borders. Development driven disparity and labour shortage are the main reasons for migration within the national borders of India. The magnitude of this is far greater than migration across the International border. Migration contributes to economic prosperity, both for the nation and the migrant, by adding to human development in terms of improved income, education and health. Yet, internal labour migration is not allocated much importance whereas the government attributes significant importance for cross border labour emigrants. Ironically, internal migration is looked upon as a problem by administration. The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 does not talk of the inter-state migrant labour force and is reflected in administration’s apathy towards interstate migration of workers. The Macro impact of migration is positive. However, the micro impact is riddled with sufferings due to the betrayal of political will to address the hardships that are associated with migration. Migrants remain a source of low-cost flexible workforce that is aiding the development of the economy. They suffer difficult work and living conditions along with risks of discrimination and violence. Women and children are particularly vulnerable and experience additional obstacles. Today, migration is associated with hardships, developmental issues, poor working conditions and access issues to basic rights and comes with heavy costs and risks. There is a serious human rights violation associated with the process of migration. While there exist laws, acts, policies and programme intervention towards poverty alleviation, there exists a complete co-ordination failure when it comes to ensuring delivery of scheduled programmes for this floating population of migrants. This paper intends to highlight the contributions of the migrant labour force and how this potential tool for poverty alleviation is not being harnessed to its potential due to absence of a coherent policy. This paper will also attempt to provide a structured approach towards a solution which will address the issue of co-ordination across sectors.