The Covid-19 pandemic: A case study of reverse migration from Mumbai
- Nagarlok: Quarterly Journal of Urban Affairs
- 56(3), Sep, 2024: p.339-348
All throughout the world, the pandemic had caused widespread social unrest. As the virus spread, the Indian government imposed a sudden lockdown as an emergency measure to control it. This had a significant impact on migrants’ livelihoods in India. Migration is a complex phenomenon, both in India and elsewhere. This study focuses on the reverse migration that occurred as a result of India’s sudden lockdown. These restrictions had detrimental effects on migratory populations. The focus of this article is directed at migrants from Mumbai who had returned to their hometowns in search of a sustainable livelihood during lockdown. To analyse the situation of these workers, this study used primary data as secondary data was not available during this period. To determine whether these migrants found employment in rural areas during the pandemic, two rounds of interviews were conducted. The study also analysed the possibility that post-pandemic migrants would return to the city and resume their previous means of subsistence. By concentrating on the location, employment, work, income, savings, and access to basic services of migrants, the study draws attention to their vulnerability and contributes to the literature for understanding the migration crises caused by COVID-19.- Reproduced