Pandemic-Induced Urban-Rural Migration: Temporary or Permanent? A Study of Push-Pull Drivers of Reverse Migration in Garhwal Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand

Dinesh Prasad Saklani, National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi
Hitesh Mandal, University Of Delhi
Narendra Kumar, HEMVATI NANDAN BAHUGUNA GARHWAL UNIVERSITY (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand
Ekta Singh, Shoolini University,Himachal Pradesh

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant shift in migration patterns, with many urban laborers returning to their rural homes due to lockdowns, job losses, and health concerns. This study examines whether this reverse migration is temporary or indicative of a more permanent trend. Preliminary data reveals that 87.22% of returnees intend to migrate back to cities, citing limited job opportunities and economic instability in their native villages as major push factors. In contrast, 12.78% prefer to remain in their rural areas, discouraged by the deteriorating socio-economic conditions. These findings suggest that while the majority view their return as temporary, rural challenges continue to drive them towards urban centers. Therefore, the study mainly seeks to address three objectives. first, to analyze changes in migration patterns before and after the pandemic; second, to investigate the reasons why some migrants choose to stay in their villages while others plan to return to cities; and third, to compare the socio-economic outcomes of those who remain in rural areas with those who re-migrate to urban centers. By exploring these dynamics, the study aims to shed light on the long-term effects of the pandemic on labor mobility and regional development.

Keywords: Internal Migration and Urbanization, Population, Shocks and Pandemics, Comparative methods

See extended abstract.