Determining the Attributes of Short-Term Migration to Kashmir, India

Abstract

The research uses data from a multi-stage survey performed in 2019 to evaluate short-term migrants’ characteristics and sectoral transitions in Kashmir. After locating in-migrants in the selected clusters, we randomly selected 253 samples in a 70:30 urban–rural ratio. The IV-Probit is used to identify the features of short-term migration to the valley. Results reveal that short-term migrants are primarily absorbed in construction. In addition, most in-migrants are unskilled and come from marginalised communities. This study contributes to the knowledge on migration in a developing nation like India, particularly in Kashmir. In addition to temporarily increasing the urban inflow, short-term labour migration may assist the family left behind by remitting revenue. Hence, these results are critical for policymaking regarding mobility, urban development and the expanding construction sector. JEL Codes: J6; C2