Young men from these communities, burdened by poor educational outcomes and limited job prospects, view migration as a means to escape the cycle of poverty. They are often frustrated by an education system that fails to provide them with practical skills, leading to a sense of low self-worth.
Yogeshwar Gupta
Migration has long been a significant phenomenon affecting various regions across India, but in the Adivasi-dominated villages of Udaipur’s Salumber block, it presents a nuanced narrative shaped by socio-economic factors, gender dynamics, and the changing landscape. The migration patterns observed in Udaipur’s Banoda Panchayat are a testament to the complex interplay of economic pressures, social structures, and individual aspirations. While migration offers a temporary escape from poverty, it also traps these communities in a cycle of dependence on seasonal labor, with little hope of permanent uplift. As the region continues to urbanize, the future of these communities remains uncertain, caught between the promises of development and the harsh realities of their current existence. (Aajeevika Bureau, 2008)I spent one month in the Banoda Panchayat, attempting to understand the intricate patterns of migration from this area and the lived experiences of these communities.
Paradox of poverty and ownership
The research reveals a curious paradox: the majority of migrants from Banoda Panchayat are not landless laborers, but rather, individuals from landed households. The study found that 91 per cent of the households with migrating members own land, with nearly half possessing more than two bighas. Yet, this land ownership does not translate into economic stability. Instead, the undivided nature of these assets, combined with large family sizes, often drives young men to seek employment elsewhere. Migration in this region is overwhelmingly male, a trend consistent with findings from other studies on rural-urban migration in India.
Young men from these communities, burdened by poor educational outcomes and limited job prospects, view migration as a means to escape the cycle of poverty. They are often frustrated by an education system that fails to provide them with practical skills, leading to a sense of low self-worth. The first paycheck from labour work in distant cities provides them with a sense of independence and self-affirmation, further entrenching their commitment to migration.
Preferred destination
Ahmedabad emerges as the most popular destination for these migrants, primarily due to its proximity, which facilitates seasonal migration patterns. The study notes that less than 10 per cent of households reported any permanent migration, underscoring the temporary and cyclical nature of this movement. The strong social networks that migrants maintain both at home and in their destination, city play a crucial role in sustaining this pattern.
Work conditions at the destination sites are, however, far from ideal. Migrants, particularly those from tribal backgrounds, often find themselves in physically demanding and exploitative jobs, such as construction or loading work. The report documents grueling work conditions, with 12-hour workdays and minimal rest. These take a significant toll on their health and well-being. Despite these hardships, the allure of a regular income keeps these men returning to the city year after year.
Gender Disparities in Mobility
While young men venture out in search of work, young women and girls from these communities face severe restrictions on their mobility. Women are often confined to domestic duties, in these households, with limited opportunities for economic participation. Even those with a higher level of education remain bound to household work and farming, a stark contrast to their male counterparts. (Bhatt, 2009)
This gendered division of labour is deeply ingrained, with societal expectations limiting women’s roles. Women recounted instances where those who attempted to break these norms faced severe social backlash. One such case involved a woman who participated in protests in Jaipur, only to be accused by her own community of inappropriate behaviour. This incident highlights the rigid gender norms that continue to constrain women’s mobility and independence.
Changing Landscapes and Urban Aspirations
Interestingly, these migrants have no desire to settle permanently in urban areas, unlike migrants from other regions such as Uttar Pradesh or Bihar. Land ownership again plays a pivotal role here (Shewel, 2022), with many migrants hoping to benefit from the anticipated increase in land value due to urbanization. The recent declaration of Salumber as a district and Banoda as a Nagar Pallika has further fuelled these aspirations.
However, the precarious nature of migrant labour means that these aspirations often remain unfulfilled. Many families start building homes with their earnings, only to abandon these projects midway due to financial instability or health crises. the hopes and frustrations of these communities, Caught between the rural and urban worlds, these communities are unable to fully belong to either.
Yogeshwar is a Young India Fellow at Ashoka University. This piece has been extracted from their research report following their stint as an Abhijit Sen Research Intern with the National Foundation for India.
