![Sample our Global Development journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5929/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Global-Development.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
Nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic across India has created huge challenges, as well as a strong sense of fear, anxiety, insecurity and uncertainty among the people, migrant workers in particular. A vast majority of migrant workers suffered enormously as their livelihoods are being threatened. This paper discusses the socio-economic, psychological, livelihoods challenges faced by migrant workers in India. It examines the role of the government to secure the fundamental rights of migrant workers. It reviews the impact of policies/programmes for the migrant workers. The paper concludes that despite government efforts, large numbers of migrant workers who have been living hand-to-mouth ended up in destitution as they have no identity and not covered by any official social security policies.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Notes
1. Indian constitution classifies group of citizens under Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Class (OBC). These citizens with lower socio-economic conditions were traditionally being discriminated.
2. India’s caste system is one of the oldest forms of discriminatory social stratification that rigidly divides the Hindu population into hierarchical groups of Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Brahmins are considered as intellectuals and leaders, Kshatriyas as the warriors, Vaishyas as traders, Shudras as menial workers and atishudras who are considered as dirty and ‘untouchable’.
3. Ration cards are an official document issued by state governments in India to households that are eligible to purchase subsidised food grain from the Public Distribution System (under the National Food Security Act).