Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Migration on Children: A Case Study from Maharashtra, India

Kumudini Das, Pillai's College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Navi Mumbai
Kailash Chandra Das, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Kokila Shetty, IIPS Mumbai

Seasonal migration has long been a prevalent livelihood strategy for households in the semi-arid regions of Maharashtra, India. During dry seasons, numerous households migrate seasonally to engage in sugarcane harvesting works in the neighbouring Karnataka state and within Maharashtra. In this migratory pattern, children are among the most vulnerable, whether accompanying their parents or left behind in the villages. This research highlights impact of seasonal migration on children of the migrants. The Jalna district in Maharashtra was purposively selected for data collection. For the first time this study tries to capture voices of children regarding the impact of such migration on the education, health, and vulnerability aspects of both migrant and left behind children. A total of thirteen most out-migrating villages from were selected for fieldwork and data collection. Some families completely migrate to sugarcane harvesting, while other leave their children at the origin place with the care givers. Amidst these migrations, children face heightened vulnerabilities, including limited access to education, nutrition, healthcare, and protection, increasing the likelihood of premature entry into the labour force or early marriage. Government should emphasize on policies to protect the rights of the children to education, health, and reduce the vulnerability of the children.

Keywords: International Migration, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

See extended abstract.