ABSTRACT
Inter-state migrant workers in India, despite their vital contribution to the economy, remain among the most vulnerable and under-protected sections of society. This research paper critically analyses the legal protections available to such workers, identifies the systemic and operational gaps, and proposes region-specific recommendations. The Bundelkhand region, known for its economic underdevelopment and high rates of out-migration, is examined in depth to understand the realities of migrant workers originating from this area. The paper argues that addressing these gaps requires a multifaceted and justice-oriented approach that considers regional disparities, the failure of legal enforcement, and the inadequacy of social protection mechanisms.
KEYWORDS
Inter-State Migrant Workers, Labour Law Enforcement, Migration and Development, Informal Sector Employment, Bundelkhand Migration, Legal Protection Gaps, Occupational Safety, Social Security for Migrants.
INTRODUCTION
The phenomenon of migration in India is both complex and compelling. It is driven not merely by economic aspirations but often by distress and compulsion, especially in regions marked by ecological fragility, poverty, and lack of infrastructure. One such region is Bundelkhand, comprising parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.[1] The endemic poverty, frequent droughts, and lack of livelihood opportunities have made Bundelkhand a hub of seasonal and long-term out-migration. Migrants from this region often travel to urban centres like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Ludhiana, taking up employment in the informal sectors, construction, brick kilns, hospitality, and small-scale manufacturing.
Despite their mobility and economic contribution, inter-state migrant workers face serious legal, social, and economic vulnerabilities. They are often outside the ambit of formal employment contracts, deprived of basic entitlements such as minimum wages, social security, health benefits, and access to housing and education for their children. Legal frameworks intended to safeguard their rights have either become obsolete or remain poorly enforced. This paper aims to explore the deficiencies in these legal structures through the lens of Bundelkhand-origin migrant workers.
[1] Jean Drèze & Amartya Sen, An Uncertain Glory: India and Its Contradictions (Princeton Univ. Press 2013).