Sociological analysis of migration of agricultural labourers from eastern to north-western region of India
Gupta, A.K.; Arora, D.R.; Aggarwal, B.K.
Indian Journal of Industrial Relations 23(4): 429-445
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-5286 PMID: 12283667 DOI: 10.2307/27767010Document Number: 373351
The study identifies the socioeconomic characteristics of immigrant farm workers; examines the causes of migration; analyses the impact of migration on the pattern of employment, wages, acculturation and interpersonal relations; and discusses the socio-cultural and economic impact of migration on the migrants' families. A sample of 150 seasonal migrants, 100 continuously residing migrants, 50 local agricultural labourers and 25 local employer-farmers was selected from 12 villages of Ludhiana District, and a similar sample size was collected from 18 villages of Hoshiarpur District, Punjab. Cross-sectional data for 1984/85-85/86 were collected and analysed using a Chi-square test. The number of immigrants to the Punjab was found to have increased as a result of the Green Revolution in the state. Migration was stimulated by both push and pull factors. Immigrants reduced chronic shortage of farm labour in Punjab, although tensions were created among the local farm workers as a consequence of fewer employment opportunities and lower wages. Social tension existed between local and immigrant workers in a latent form.