Author: Indrajit De
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03080003
Abstract: The study had examined the multi-dimensional causes of labour migration in the backward districts of Jharkhand, focusing on economic, agricultural, social, healthcare, and educational determinants. Field surveys and interviews had been conducted across fifteen villages in Palamu, Garhwa, and Latehar districts, using a stratified random sampling method to include both migrant and non-migrant households. Quantitative data had been analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression models, while qualitative data had been examined thematically. The findings had revealed that unemployment, income disparities, and indebtedness had been major economic push factors, while land fragmentation, declining agricultural productivity, and seasonal work patterns had reinforced migration. Social barriers, including caste-based discrimination and limited upward mobility, had further influenced migration decisions. Additionally, inadequate healthcare facilities, high malnutrition rates, poor educational infrastructure, and high dropout rates had emerged as significant service-related drivers. Migration had provided short-term economic benefits through remittances but had also resulted in rural labour shortages and dependence on external income. The study had emphasized the need for integrated rural development policies targeting livelihood creation, agricultural modernization, and service infrastructure improvement to reduce distress migration.
Keywords: Labour Migration, Jharkhand, Rural Development, Agricultural Productivity, Social Exclusion, Healthcare Access, Educational Infrastructure.
Page No: 15-20