Open Access Research Article
CASTE, MIGRATION, AND EMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS: A STUDY OF BIHAR MIGRANTS IN PUNE
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Article Details
CASTE, MIGRATION, AND EMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS: A STUDY OF BIHAR
MIGRANTS IN PUNE
AUTHORED BY - RIYA
KUMARI
Abstract
Caste-based migration remains a
significant socio-economic phenomenon in India, reflecting deep-rooted
inequalities and structural disparities within society. This research paper
delves into the dynamics of caste-based migration, focusing on its causes,
patterns, and implications. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data
were gathered through interviews and questionnaires from migrants representing
diverse caste backgrounds, primarily residing in Pune.
The findings underscore the enduring
influence of caste on migration patterns, particularly evident among
individuals from lower caste groups. Many are driven to migrate in pursuit of
better livelihood opportunities due to historical marginalization,
discrimination, and limited socio-economic mobility in their places of origin.
This research attempts to contribute
to a nuanced understanding of caste-based migration dynamics in India, shedding
light on the multifaceted challenges and implications associated with this
phenomenon.
Keywords
Caste-based migration, Socio-economic
mobility, Discrimination, Rural-urban migration.
Introduction
The idea of India embodies a rich
tapestry of diversity, each thread contributing its own unique hue. Caste, an
integral part of Indian society, predates even the Manu Smriti and holds
significant sway. Entrenched in the fabric of our society, the caste system maintains
a static nature, having endured since time immemorial. In ancient Vedic times,
society was divided into four varnas: Brahmins (priests and scholars),
Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras
(labourers). This classification, based on occupational roles, led to the
stratification of society into upper and lower castes, with the former enjoying
economic and social privileges, while the latter faced adversity.
This social stratification has given
rise to economic disparities, prompting migration. Migration occurs when
individuals cross established administrative boundaries, either temporarily or
permanently, driven by various push and pull factors such as employment
opportunities, improved civic amenities, or enhanced lifestyles. The rapid pace
of industrialization has spurred a surge in worker migration. India's diversity
is further enriched by migration, fostering cultural exchange and diversity by
introducing new ideas, traditions, and perspectives. This infusion can fuel
creativity, tolerance, and mutual understanding among diverse communities.
Caste-based migration specifically
refers to the migration of disadvantaged caste members who relocate to other
states or regions in search of better employment prospects and living
conditions. This movement is propelled by factors like discrimination, social
exclusion, and limited opportunities based on caste identities. In contemporary
India, caste continues to influence patterns of discrimination and employment,
shaping the trajectory of migration for many.
Methodology
The method employed in this research
paper is qualitative, utilizing questionnaires as the primary tool for data
collection. The sample size for this research comprises 80 individuals, all of
whom were residing in Pune and had migrated from Bihar. The selected
participants represent a diverse range of occupations, chosen to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the topic. Predominantly male interviewees from
Scheduled Castes (SC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and the General Category
were included, with occupations such as construction workers, mess and hostel
cooks, and industrial labourers being the focus.
The research primarily centers on how
caste influences employment. The questionnaire included inquiries about the
participants' education level, age, living conditions, salary, land ownership,
family size, and caste affiliations. Through an analysis of these factors, the
study aims to illuminate the socio-economic dynamics shaped by caste concerning
migration and employment in Pune.
Findings
from the Field: Analyzing Caste and Land Ownership among Migrant Workers
The sample size for my research
consisted of 80 people who have migrated from Bihar to Pune, Maharashtra. Most
of these migrants are permanent residents. The average age of these workers
ranges from 20 to 45 years old. They are primarily employed in construction
work as daily wage workers, in roles such as cooks in restaurants and hostels,
and as domestic helpers.
Daily wage workers
All these migrants have left their homes and families behind for their
sustenance. Of the 28 workers I spoke to, 22 belonged to lower castes, mainly
Scheduled Castes (SCs) and a few Scheduled Tribes (STs), while the remaining
were from Other Backward Classes (OBCs). A few workers owned a small section of
land i.e. "dedh kattha" (0.046 acres), while others did not even have
that, possessing only the home they lived in. This illustrates the limited power
they hold, a division that is not new. It has been evident for a long time,
dating back to the zamindari system when people of the upper castes controlled
the land and power.
These workers are the sole
breadwinners for their families, each supporting four to five people who are
completely dependent on them for survival. Due to their tough financial
situations, most of them had to leave school at the age of 13 or 14 and start
working to support their families. For them, working was not a choice but a necessity.
As daily wage workers, they earn as little as 400-500 rupees per day, with one
day off per week, resulting in a monthly income of approximately 10,400 rupees.
Their living conditions are poor, as
all the workers are given a single shed in which they have to live together.
With no medical assistance or food provided, they have to manage on their own.
Monthly food costs add up to 3,000 rupees per person, so they save only a
meager amount of 6,000-7,000 rupees. Children growing up in such conditions, having
faced financial crises from a young age, also start working for the family
early, creating a vicious cycle of poverty that is difficult to escape. Another
important issue is that these migrants have no source of information about
government schemes designed for their upliftment. Out of the 28 workers, about
25 were not even aware of MGNREGA.
Cooks
For my research, I conducted
interviews with 32 cooks in and around my area. Approximately 60% of them
belonged to the Other Backward Classes (OBC), while 40% were from the General
Category. Surprisingly, there were no Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Scheduled
Tribes (STs) employed in this line of work. The salaries of these cooks ranged
from 15,000 to 25,000 rupees, and they were provided with free meals. However,
they had to manage their own accommodation, which typically cost a maximum of
5,000 rupees. The remaining money was either sent back home or used for
personal expenses.
All the cooks had completed at least
primary education, with some having passed the 10th or 12th standard, and a few
even holding graduate degrees. Interestingly, many of the General Category
workers owned agricultural land, averaging around 6 acres, which provided them
with additional income and stability. Despite being the sole earners for their
families, they did not face food shortages due to their agricultural pursuits.
Most of the cooks had families
consisting of 4 to 7 members, and many were the sole earners. They had been
residing and working in Pune for several years, with some having stayed for a
minimum of 10 years and others for over 20 years. When asked about visiting
home, the responses were similar—they rarely visited, with some not having gone
home for as long as 7 years.
These findings reveal stark contrasts
between the living conditions of daily wage workers and cooks. While cooks
enjoy relatively better salaries and living conditions, daily wage workers face
dire situations. The caste composition of these occupations also reflects
systemic inequalities, with few SCs employed as cooks. The socio-economic
differences based on caste are evident, with more individuals from the general
and OBC categories securing stable and secure employment opportunities.
Industrial workers
I spoke with approximately 20
industrial workers in the area, most of whom were from the General Category,
with a few of them belonging to the OBC category, and four being SCs. These
workers are employed in an iron industry and receive a monthly payment of
18,000 rupees, which can increase to 28,000 rupees if they work overtime for a
12-hour shift. Unfortunately, they are not well-informed about their rights
under labor laws, and the working conditions are far from safe. Despite the
hazardous nature of their job, they are not provided with safety gear.
It's concerning to note that these
workers live away from their families to save more money and send their
earnings back home. Interestingly, among the SC workers, some of them own their
homes in the name of land, while the General Category workers own agricultural
land. Similarly, the OBC workers also have some land ownership. This reveals a
diverse economic background among the workers in the industrial area.
Analyzing
the Labour Landscape: Insights from Industrial Workers, Cooks, and Daily Wage
Labourers
From the results obtained from the
research conducted, we can rightly conclude that there exists inequality in
income, opportunity, and overall living conditions among migrants. None of the
migrants we spoke to came with their family; each one had to leave their family
behind and move alone to a new place in search of better opportunities. Even if
they could afford to live in a better place, they chose to live in a cheaper
place to save more and send money back home where it is needed.
The people belonging to lower castes
migrate solely with the aim of having a better source of income and livelihood,
not for better education or business opportunities. This shows that even after
seventy plus years of independence, we are not yet free from the evils of caste
inequality. The people belonging to lower castes still have the mindset of
sustaining themselves and their families rather than contributing to the
economy and growth of India. They are still struggling to attain basic
necessities, which hampers not only their personal growth but also that of
India.
In Bihar, the dominant upper castes
(Rajputs, Bhumiyar, Brahmins) mostly hold agricultural land. The lower castes
or weaker sections do not hold much agricultural land, and what they do hold is
insufficient for their sustenance. Recently, in 2023, the Bihar Chief Minister
demanded a caste-based census in the country. This census could help in
formulating better schemes and policies. The last caste census was held in
1931, over 90 years ago, and we still rely on the caste system for the
upliftment of the weaker sections of society. If better employment and
livelihood opportunities were created in their own state, they wouldn’t have to
migrate thousands of kilometres in search of mere livelihood.
In India, several laws and policies
aim to protect the rights and welfare of migrants, both within the country and
those coming from other nations. Some key laws and policies related to migrants
in India include the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment
and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, which regulates the employment and
working conditions of inter-state migrant workers to protect them from
exploitation. The National Policy on Migrant Workers and Strengthening of
Nodal Points on Inter-State Borders, 2016, focuses on improving access to
social security, healthcare, and education for migrant workers and their
families. Additionally, various state governments have enacted specific
policies and schemes to address the needs of migrants within their jurisdictions,
including measures related to housing, healthcare, education, and skill
development.
It's important to note that while
these laws and policies exist, challenges remain in their implementation and
enforcement, particularly concerning the protection of the rights of vulnerable
migrant populations, such as unskilled labourers, domestic workers, and
refugees. Additionally, there is ongoing debate and advocacy for comprehensive
reforms to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by migrants in
India.
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Key Takeaways
|
|
|
Nature of the Challenge
|
Description
|
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Economic Disparities Among Migrant
Workers
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Migrants face significant income
and opportunity disparities, impacting both personal and national economic
growth.
|
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Caste Dynamics and Migration
Patterns
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Caste inequalities drive migration
motivations, shaping regional demographics and socio-economic landscapes.
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Need for Updated Demographic Data
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Calls for a caste-based census
highlight the necessity of current demographic insights for effective policy
formulation.
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Legal Safeguards and Migrant
Welfare
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India's legal framework aims to
protect migrant rights but faces challenges in implementation, necessitating
improved support mechanisms.
|
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Socio-Economic Impact of Migration
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Migration's impact on individuals
and India's economic development underscores the need for local economic
opportunities.
|
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Advocacy and Reforms for Migrant
Rights
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Ongoing advocacy efforts seek
comprehensive reforms to address evolving migrant challenges and ensure
equitable treatment.
|
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Need for Data-Driven Policies for
Inclusive Growth
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Informed decision-making based on
current demographic data is crucial for targeted interventions promoting
inclusive growth.
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Measures
and Recommendations
I.
Establishment of a Regulatory Body: There is a crucial need to establish a dedicated body
in every state to oversee the effective implementation of policies designed for
migrants and workers. This body would ensure close monitoring by the government
to guarantee effective implementation. Its primary objectives should include
regulating minimum wages, ensuring access to basic health facilities and
nutrition, and providing a safe working environment in accordance with the
Occupational Safety and Health Working Condition Code, 2020.
II.
Addressing Social and Economic Disparity: It is imperative to eliminate social and
economic discrimination against migrant workers based on their caste. This
entails ensuring equal employment opportunities regardless of caste
affiliations and equitable wages for all, irrespective of caste backgrounds.
III.
Promoting Education: Education serves as a vital tool for instigating change within any
society. It holds significance for both employers and employees. Educated
employees are more aware of their rights, fostering a conducive work environment.
Similarly, educated employers are likely to prioritize skills and abilities
over caste affiliations when hiring, promoting fair employment practices and
fostering a merit-based approach to workforce management.
IV.
Enhancing Awareness through Programs and Workshops: Implementing more awareness
programs, campaigns, and workshops is essential to educate workers and
encourage them to use their financial resources efficiently. These initiatives
can empower workers with knowledge about financial management, promoting
responsible spending and investment practices.
V.
Enhancing Local Employment Opportunities: It is crucial for the government to
assess and improve employment prospects in migrants' native areas. This
includes providing better employment opportunities and ensuring effective
implementation of upliftment schemes at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
While the conditions of lower castes
have undoubtedly improved and discrimination has reduced, there's still much
room for improvement. The research clearly shows that occupations offering
security and better pay still have fewer lower-caste individuals, highlighting
a persistent issue in developing India. Additionally, during interviews, it was
observed that employers often withhold workers' payments for months to
discourage them from leaving.
Despite strides in social equality
and economic development, lower-caste individuals largely remain in low-paying,
insecure jobs with subpar working conditions and limited social support. This
perpetuates a cycle of poverty and marginalization, hindering their progress
and autonomy. The research further reveals systemic barriers that prevent
lower-caste migrants from accessing better job opportunities and advancing
socially. This lack of stable employment not only impacts their economic
well-being but also reinforces caste-based divisions within society.
Addressing the root causes of
caste-based discrimination among migrating communities is crucial. Bihar, being
an underdeveloped state with mainly seasonal employment, prompts people to seek
opportunities in other states rather than within the state. It's essential for
state governments to establish a dedicated department to monitor migrating
communities, ensuring their living conditions are adequate and that labour laws
and migrant-worker policies are effectively implemented.
References
Dakua, Manoj. (2019).
"Intercensal Change of Scheduled Caste Migrants in India: Based on Census
Data, 2001-2011." Thematics Journal of Geography.
Kalyani, Vartak. (2016). "Role
of Caste in Migration: Some Observations from Beed District, Maharashtra."
Social Science Spectrum, Vol. 2, No. 2.
Datta, A. (2020). "Circular
Migration and Precarity: Perspectives from Rural Bihar." Indian Journal of
Labour Economics, 63(4), 1143-1163.
Rajan, S. Irudaya, Keshri, Kunal,
& Deshingkar, Priya. "Understanding Temporary Labour Migration Through
the Lens of Caste: India Case Study." In S. Irudaya Rajan (Ed.), Migration
in South Asia IMISCOE Regional Reader (pp. 104-116).
Article Information
CASTE, MIGRATION, AND EMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS: A STUDY OF BIHAR MIGRANTS IN PUNE
Authors: RIYA KUMARI
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Published 2024/09/05
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- Abbreviation IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
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