Identification of the Determinants of Rural Workforce Migration: A Study of Construction Segments in Udupi District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The article critically examines the migration process and the manner in which it affects the livelihood of migrants. Based on a survey in Udupi district of Karnataka, it identifies the status of migrant labourers in the construction sector. It presents evidence on labour market segmentation and the resulting unequal wage distribution between migrants in this segment. Migrants, at their destination, have poor living and working conditions, lack entitlements, have low level of consumption and endure hardship. Migrant households reported higher expenditure on food and non-food consumption and temporary residential housing. Children of migrants have limited access to education in the destination place. The article maps informal practices that violate the legal provisions for these work segments.