June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

MIGRATION AND COVID 19

Volume I: Issue 1

Image Source: Hindustan Times

CENTRE FOR MIGRATION AND MOBILITY STUDIES

Ed N e

The Centre for Migration and a Mobility Studies is happy to announce the commencement of its first
newsletter. The CMMS newsletter aims to bring the contemporary debates around migration into
limelight and wishes to acquaint its readers about the challenges and issues surrounding migration at
regional, national and international level.

The theme for our first newsletter is COVID-19 and Migration. Migration as a phenomenon helps keep
the global economy flowing but COVID-19 has recently put a stop to that. This global issue
has affected almost all the countries across the world which has triggered severe border controls. Most
of the countries have shut down their borders which has impacted the mobility. This has impacted the
people, especially those who were caught between the host countries and
destinations and are now stuck in crowded refugee camps, especially during the time when social dist
ancing has become necessary. Moreover, the migrant workers and daily wage earners have been
moving back home from the hard-hit urban areas due to loss of livelihood and no place to stay,
especially in India. Therefore, this becomes a very relevant topic of discourse. The newsletter gives the
students a platform to put forth their opinions about the issues surrounding migration and mobility due
to COVID-19.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Krupa Vasani Raahat Tara Vasudha Arabandi

(Research Intern, CMMS) (Research Intern, CMMS) (Research Assistant, CMMS)

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

although this number is likely higher as

PROTECTION many live-in urban areas across the
AND LIVELIHOOD country.
IMPLICATIONS
Even pre-coronavirus, Mozambique
OF COVID-19 FOR had little capacity to absorb these
REFUGEES: individuals in the (relatively small) formal
REFLECTIONS employment sector. Moreover, while
Mozambique is a signatory to the 1951
FROM
Refugee Convention and other refugee-
MOZAMBIQUE related international commitments, most
refugees continue to lack a legal status and
working rights within the country not
By Dério Chirindza (PhD Candidate, JSIA) least due to chronic delays in the asylum
and Professor Jessica Field (Adjunct application process. As a result, the
Associate Profession, JSIA) majority of refugees in the
country have had little choice but to pursue
The world is undergoing significant insecure informal livelihoods,
challenges as a result often living hand-to-mouth on daily
of coronavirus. People are losing their wages.
lives and livelihoods and the economic and
health systems of many countries are Since the lockdown began on 1st April
being disrupted. However, not all countries 2020, this work has significantly
are equally affected, nor do they have contracted, exposing severe weaknesses in
equal resources and policies to support the national protection regime. The biggest
recovery for some of their most vulnerable threat facing refugee communities in
groups. Coronavirus is a particularly critic Mozambique at the
al challenge for poorer countries in the moment is arguably less the health impacts
Global South that have weaker public of COVID-19, and more the immediate
health and economic systems, such as and long-term impacts of livelihood loss.
Mozambique. Within these countries, mig
rants and refugees struggle to make ends Lockdown is necessary in many ways,
meet even in the best of times, and since it is aimed at preserving
COVID-19 risks deepening their the health security of all human
vulnerabilities. beings within its national boundaries and
mirrors similar preventive measures taken
Mozambique currently has 81 confirmed by countries across the globe, including
cases of COVID-19 and, to prevent the India. However, faced
spread of this disease, the country ordered with partial lockdown, refugees are left
a partial lockdown. Schools have been with few options for survival. The
closed, non-essential businesses have been government is providing minimal
advised to reduce activity, and mobility has emergency assistance in the form of food
been restricted. The country was subsidies and hygiene material, but only
already one of the poorest in the world to targeted vulnerable citizens. The United
(ranked 181 out of 187 countries in the Nations refugee agency is
latest UNDP Human Development Index), only assisting refugees in camps, and even
with nearly half the country living below then, just with basic materials. There is no
the poverty line. Refugees and asylum employment subsidy, and the government
seekers are among this population, has ruled out paying formal or informal
officially numbering around 39,000 worker wages during this state of

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

emergency. Many refugees (and other to face heightened risk. COVID-19

between the gaps of state support) are faced exposes the need for governments
with a stark to commit to more inclusive protection and
choice: continue to pursue some form of equal rights, particularly in countries with
work and run the risk of being infected by fragile economies.
the disease, or stay at home and risk being
unable to put food on the table, pay rent or
basic utilities. For some there is no option
of breaking lockdown, as not all informal BANDRA WEST
markets have re-opened due to social AND
distancing restrictions.
MISMANAGEMENT
While this current state of emergency OF THE
threatens all impoverished families LOCKDOWN
refugee, migrant and citizen
the precarious legal status of refugees in
the country means that they might find By Chandra Lekha (Student, JGLS 2018)
longer-term recovery more challenging. (The article has also been published in the
The government of Mozambique made newspaper, The Pioneer)
reservations to Articles 17 and 19 of 1951
Refugee Convention, meaning that
The incidents that unfolded at Bandra West
Mozambique does not officially recognize
suggest that the gross
a ef gee igh e l e . Thi ha
insensitiveness of both the central and state
already limited refugee opportunities to
governments towards the crisis
secure permanent jobs and social
facing migrant workers has finally reached
insurance. Since lockdown,
its tipping point. Thousands of workers
businesses have been letting large numbers
took to the streets immediately Prime
of staff go, increasing overall employment
Minister Narendra Modi announced the
challenges in the country. With no
extension of the Coronavirus induced
obligation for employers to take
nationwide lockdown.
on refugees as unemployment rises, no
Considering the eventual extension has
social security guaranteed for
figured in discussions for over two
refugees without work, and the likelihood
weeks prior to he a ce e , e ca
of increasing food prices from disrupted
help but ask: why, knowing very well the
market systems, refugees face escalating
ke ligh he g e e illi gl
stressors. There is no option to return to
glossed over the issue? Why could they not
their home countries, where conflict
utilise this time to prepare for the transport
renders repatriation unsafe.
of the workers? Or worse still, are the
discomforts and the problems of the
Similar to India, this pandemic has
unorganised sector of no importance to the
exposed gaps in social security and
ruling parties?
protection that will only deepen the
Another problem that haunts the society, is
vulnerability of already-struggling groups.
the spread of fake news as if it is competing
Unlike India, Mozambique
with the coronavirus in terms of its rate of
has nationally committed to refugee
proliferation. A single piece of
protection. Yet, in the midst of this crisis,
unsubstantiated news drove thousands of
those commitments seem hollow. Without
people on to the streets on
the right to work, and without inclusive
Mumbai, regardless of the lockdown curbs,
national relief programmes, refugees
police posts and above all, the risk of
across the world will continue
contracting the virus. The unstoppable
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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

forwarding of messages has finally reared that essentials are personally sent out to
its ugly head. All of this undermines the each and every household ensuring that
seriousness of the state of affairs and one there is no further spread of the virus. The
could even say that we are now facing government took active measures to
the risk of citizens lowering their social guarantee that these migrant workers or
responsibility. Another instance is that of g e ke a he efe he a , d
the fake bus services for the migrant not have to pay any rent in their places of
workers in Delhi. The work was spread of residence along with free food. The success
the Bihar Government sending free bus of their work is seen in an interview of
services for the workers and upon reaching Rashid Ahmed, a migrant worker from
the place, money was extorted from these Assam who feels staying in Kerala would
workers. One could only imagine the plight be far wiser. The migrant workers have
of a hungry migrant worker with little to no been made to feel at home because if the
e lef i e. U i g hi e government has to ensure that the pandemic
own advantage and to profit off of a is controlled while no person suffers, they
ke di e a d faci g ba el a have to think of all; not merely their
punishment is what continues to encourage residents.
the spread of these falsities. This has There is undoubtedly, an unprecedented
ultimately lead to the country facing a challenge at hand. And at times like this, it
humanitarian crisis beyond the pandemic. is easy to lose sight of who it is, that really
It could very well be argued that travel is of needs help. The states cannot afford to
the least importance, considering the forget that, these workers who are living in
gravity of the situation in the country. The deplorable conditions, thousands of
efforts of the government over the last one kilometres from their homes are heroes,
month would be in vain in case, the alongside everyone who is sacrificing their
railways operated even for 24 hours. The comforts for the wellness of the society.
already terrorising pandemic would know Providing them with decent facilities is
no bounds and the situation would be well essential to let them know in the darkest
fa e ha d . C ide i g hi , he hour of their lives, they are not alone. This
bare minimum that could be done is to is the least any government can do for
provide adequate shelter and resources to them. The pandemic has brought out the
these migrant workers who are crammed predicament of the migrant workers like
in makeshift shelters with unstable roofs never before. For the first time in the recent
and unclean bathrooms which would bring years, there is an acknowledgement of the
more diseases than prevent any. Social wrongs that have been done to the class that
distancing, which the Centre and state h ld he c ga i ed ec
governments preach sounds hollow if one together. Once the dust settles, it is not the
looks at the conditions in which migrant IT sector sitting in an AC room that will
ke a e hel e ed. build the economy back, it is these migrant
States would well to follow the footsteps workers and the workers of the unorganised
of Kerala which accounts for 65% of the sector that would do so. India has always
shelters for migrant workers in the country. been strengthened by its rural population;
Alongside testing for the virus, the state has the government must use this as an
made providing food for these workers a opportunity to empower this population
top priority. The state dishes out food every once again. Only when this is done, would
day for over 54 lakh migrant workers. The the country develop and not merely grow.
state has been taking active steps to ensure

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

This is an illustration based on Donald T S eech he e

he claimed that injecting people with disinfectant could treat
coronavirus.

By Charvi Garg (Student, JSLH 2018)

Illustration demonstrating the ripple effect of COVID-19 on

Labourers

By Dr. Navreeti Sharma (Assistant Professor, Global Language Centre, JGU)

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

cla ill e e c ehe d. The e i

that arises is, who to blame? A naive yet on
REFLECTION - point answer would be the government. A
CAN T COMPLAIN blind pursuit no doubt, during this period of
extreme faith loss these people have no one
else to turn to but the government and I
By Diksha Ramnani (Student, JGLS would therefore personally blame the
2018) government.
Economists like
Abhijeet Bhatacharjee have suggested
I am feeling guilty. I am out here living the draconian methods like turning the big
day, when there is a line of people waiting EMPTY hotels or train compartments into
for a miracle. We keep asking each other asylum for such labourers, a method to give
h i g i g d i g a a i e. I these workers the basic amenities promised
e all ha e a a da d e e, ca by the government. Yet somehow these
c lai . Q a a i e f he iddle a d methods are not just ignored but completely
upper classes is largely different from that disregarded as this will break the GREAT
for the daily wage workers, labourers and social structure that is in place in the Indian
migrant workers. society, the one which only furthers the
economic inequality. This in addition to the
UNICEF India on Instagram and Facebook removal of key labour laws in states like UP
have posted videos of how some kids have shows how this pandemic is affected the
made a comfortable yet productive routine lower class for the worse, transforming
during quarantine, these videos not only them into nothing more than mere slaves. 4
include people from an economically upper Article 14 of the Indian Constitution gives
class background but also those who are every person (citizen or not) equality before
usually devoid of most responsible duties1, the law within the territory of India. A
this can be contrasted to a 12 year migrant simple understanding of this article shows
worker girl who walked 100km and died 11 that equality must be unequal, I.e. equality
km away from her. There are MANY more persists only among equals and each
like her, with little to no money in their unequal individual requires an unequal
pocket walking/cycling just to be with their i i . A ke a d a d ke ca
family. Most of them left to die along the compete for who is stronger if the task is to
roadside, alone, starved, unemployed, climb a tree. A principle of equity must
unattended and ignored by the Indian persist, more so now because a pandemic is
conscience. 150 Million Have lost or have not the time for such socio-political
a dangling uncertainty about their jobs. This violations.
largely includes the unorganised sector Lockdown was supposed to be the initial
which constitutes largely the migrant step in a series of steps towards curbing the
ke . The e killed lab e issue I.e. the Covid-19 pandemic. Token
constitute for about 50% of the entire steps have been done by the government but
ai i c e. 73% f hich i ed there is a lot that is still to be
by the 1% bourgeois of the country. In a considered. The government at the moment
country which spends little to no money on seems to be followi g Cha le Da i
healthcare and education for such labourers theory of natural selection or survival of the
these people are the worse off treated strata fittest. The young and strong are kept safe
doing the most brutal form of labour? The in their homes, where the poor and the weak
loneliness and helplessness that these are sent out on this brutal journey.
workers are undergoing right now is an The migrant workers not only undergo this
i agi able ai hich a f he e blatant form of inequality but also have no

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

resources to raise their voices. Devoid of their village in Uttar Pradesh. When asked
proper healthcare facilities, certainty of job if the possibility of covering such a large
or education they have no one to turn to if distance on foot seems unlikely to them,
the government also shies away from their their response was that there is no other
responsibility. I come from a comfortable alternative. They say that they have nothing
background; I have food, shelter, basic to eat or drink here and will hopefully reach
sanitation and even luxuries like their destination in a month or so. The
entertainment. person recording this video was unable to
comprehend the frustration and desperation
Does that negate my empathy towards the that these communities are going through.
socio-political violations that are taking
lace a d e i hi i e Migrant laborers are usually engaged in
time? I would like think, not. Yet, what use daily wage work and are awarded with
is this empathy. Do I understand the pittances in the name of salaries. With
loneliness and despair that leaves only already scarce resources to support
a distant hope? themselves, and their families at the time of
being employed, it is absolutely illogical to
I really d hi k . I just want to make readersexpect them to sustain themselves in such
uncomfortable with their privilege through thistumultuous times. But the stories of their
article, because that is how a revolution begins.struggle will never reach our ears. These
Acceptance. Anyway, I eall Ca c lai stories are not considered news-worthy by
our mainstream media outlets. They are so
caught up with looking at the communal
angle of every situation that the need
REFLECTION: to examine things from other, less
SERVITUDE AND appealing perspectives is simply done away
with.
SOLITUDE IN THE
TIMES OF COVID- The same people who are desperately
19 waiting to bring their children home from
various cities across the globe and are
willing to spend a small fortune to speed-up
By Raahat Tara (Student, JGLS 2019) the process, will not hesitate for even a
moment in labeling our
Between quizzes that determine which migrant lab e as impatient,
Ha P e h e e e bee ed ungrateful, illiterate and even worse,
into and YouTube videos of baby animals, Muslim. We forget that they too are people.
we have all been reduced to the slaves This was highlighted by the Karnataka
of technology. Even more so in the times of Government when they suspended the train
a pandemic like COVID-19. With nothing services for these migrant lab e in an
better to do, we spend entire days in front of attempt to employ them at construction
our screens. But we speak from our sites. This was done to aid their failing
cocoons of privilege. This has not been the economy. It was only after
reality for a majority of the population widespread public outrage and criticism by
across the globe. the opposition that they were forced to view
their migrant laborer population as being in
A recent video, which made possession of some amount of free will.
round son Twitter, shows
migrant lab e currently residing in The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the
Bangalore, Karnataka traveling on foot to class struggle to the forefront. I believe that

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

terming it as a disease of the elite, seems fit the world are groups highly susceptible to
in the Indian context. It was brought to being affected by the current global
India by those who were able to afford pandemic of Coronavirus. Refugee camps
foreign travel. But the ones bearing the often have little or no access to healthcare
brunt are those who are unable to pay the facilities, and hence are likely to
train fare to return back to their homes. In become hotspots for the virus.
this way, it has strengthened the class
divide even further. I believe that the PM The UN High Commissioner for Refugees
CARES Fund which was established in has stated that there exist around 70 million
supplement to the pre-existing PM National displaced individuals fleeing persecution
Relief Fund, was aimed at catering to the around the world. In addition, worldwide
needs of the nation with respect to COVID- travel restrictions imposed have made it
19. But it seems as if the Prime Minister even more challenging to organise the
does not care enough about our migrant movement of persons trapped in such
worker population. They have been left regions. The UNHCR has currently
stranded and are expected to fend for appealed for additional support worth $255
themselves. There is no ray of hope and no million to combat the virus in camps
possibility of help. As a result of which they effectively; however, the need of the hour is
have taken the onus of being able to see the to impose stringent and immediate
faces of their loved ones onto themselves. measures of social distancing and
They are now a part of a journey spanning sanitation.
1874 km.
By not ensuring a safe passage for The UNHCR has also reported that donors,
migrant laborers to their destinations, we aid groups and the governments of
are displaying an attitude of apathy and countries hosting refugees need to focus on
complicity. We look at the world through decongestion and isolation. Reports by
our rose-tinted lenses and refuse to camp workers in Jordan found that many
acknowledge the suffering of those less refugees are themselves trying to enforce
fortunate than us. social distancing for their own safety. They
have been taking steps to prevent any social
contact with others, including marking the
ground to determine the three-meter
COVID-19: THE distance while they stand in queues to
collect bread and other essential goods.
CURRENT STATE
With a rise in awareness; therefore,
OF REFUGEE communities are taking on the
COMMUNITIES responsibility to enforce the guidelines set
AROUND THE in place. The UNHCR has nevertheless
erected quarantine and self-isolation
WORLD shelters in many camps to further facilitate
isolation. Yet, a lot still needs to be done to
contain a possible outbreak.
By Ishita Satyajit (Student, JGLS 2016)
Firstly, aid groups need to ensure the
With social isolation and distancing having presence of medical supplies to prepare for
a significant impact on the lives of people potential shortages in the future due to the
around the world, life continues to be a current rise in market demand. They must
constant struggle for communities that are also make sure to wear washable and
merely trying to survive. Refugees, asylum protective gear when carrying out tasks like
seekers and other displaced persons around distribution of food among refugees.

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

Furthermore, sending qualified health continue to provide regular services to

professionals to the campsites is imperative refugees and asylum seekers as they
in order to effectively deal with the likely were earlier being carried out, however, in
spread of such an infectious disease. consonance with the new healthcare
guidelines.
It would also be advantageous to seek the
help of community leaders in refugee While such measures are essential to
groups to better implement social mitigate the spread of the virus, many
distancing measures. That is, since most camps are struggling to enforce even the
displaced communities have influential most basic measures. Camps in Greece
community leaders, networks aa well have reported their closure and suspension
as community healthcare workers, there of operations of providing asylum services.
arises a need to utilise the trust they have This order by the government has
with the community and train and empower drastically affected the ability of people
them to spread the correct information and fleeing persecution to seek
contain panic of any sort. The UNHCR and safety. Furthermore, access to funding
aid workers can ensure that these during the pandemic continues to be an
community leaders and healthcare workers ongoing challenge. With complete
have all the equipment they might need to shutdowns all over the world, donor
protect these groups. communities are not able to provide as
much as they would be able to under normal
In addition to creating awareness, steps circumstances.
must be taken to identify vulnerable
populations who are likely to be affected by In camps in France, hundreds of migrants
the virus to mitigate its further and refugees are crammed into tents with
spread. These include, those who may be little opportunity for social distancing.
already dealing with life-threatening Local authorities in Calais that promised to
diseases or else are either elderly or too shelter the majority of migrants during the
young and lack the immunity to fight the lockdown, according to activists have been
virus. Many aid groups, along with the unable to do so. Charity and aid groups
UNHCR, have been trying to expand access have complained that the French
to hygiene and sanitation facilities by police have continuously tried to prevent
increasing the number of handwashing their work. There has been a restriction on
stations and ensuring access to hand the functioning of charities wherein police
sanitisers. provide warnings when they distribute food
or blankets to migrants and refugees.
Moreover raising awareness of accurate
information is equally important to Therefore, in light of the current scenario,
reduce the risk of an outbreak. It is there is a need for solidarity of the
common for refugee communities, cut off international community to enforce
from the rest of society to be victims to the distancing and sanitation measures
spread of fake news. Governments, effectively. In the wake of this pandemic,
therefore, must work with aid groups to get the world must work together to help ensure
in touch with local leaders in order to share the survival of the most vulnerable
and communicate the correct information populations.
effectively.

Finally, it is equally crucial for all aid

groups to continue their traditional
programmes. That is, groups should

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

uncertain times such as this. A migrant,

BUILDING e e e . The
COSMOPOLITAN migrants feel alienated in cities.
NATIONALISM- They would rather die walking than stay
a a i ed i h a ge i ch ha h
UNDERSTANDING THE ci c a ce . This alienation amongst
INSECURITIES OF migrant workers can be attributed to the
INTERNAL MIGRANTS communitarian nature of the states in
I dia.
A big challenge faced by the internal
By Chandni Kishen Saigal & migrants is the cultural discrimination they
experience, whilst being in their own
Mahita Valluri (Students, JSIA 2018)
country. When they move to a new city,
their otherness is often pinned on them like
The Coronavirus pandemic has changed our
he ca le le e . For instance, North-
way of life in one large swoop. The entire
eastern natives face racial slurs and assaults
world spent the last two months under
in India. Within their own country, they
lockdown, witnessing rapid developments
were guilty of reverse
in every corner of the planet. The aftermath
racism. The absolute i abili f ai la d
of the spread of the virus has managed to
I dia to see beyond its nose, to really
display some shocking shortcomings in the
consider and appreciate those who do not fit
political and social systems around the
into what it is accustomed to is brutal.
gl be.
Shortly after the government declared a
Migration is often entangled in dirty
nationwide shutdown with only four hours
politics and the presence of communitarian
of notice, terrifying photos of migrant
feelings within the leaders and people of a
workers marching hundreds
city/state. Anti-migrant politics are upheld
of kilometres on foot to flee towns for their
by these nativist parties, as they claim that
villages made headlines. These workers are
the different cultures might create an
mostly all daily wage
unhealthy clash and corrupt their
labourers and were left stranded without
c i al e . For instance, the
food, shelter, or income, prompting an
political party- Shivsena, gained popularity
e d f a e . We a e lef i h he
in Maharashtra by rallying against South
question of identifying these groups of
Indian migrants and later the Muslim
migrants? Why has the lockdown caused
ig a .
them to leave the cities and
It is alarming how excluded and out of
why did the Center and states expect
home an Indian migrant feels in another
this? How can this reactive response from
a f hei c .
the State be strengthened, for now, and for
the future? It is tempting to see this crisis
Cosmopolitanism, like many concepts in
simply as a result of one of Covid-19's
political science, is a contested topic and
challenges. Yet presenting the migrant
can mean an idea within which people
crisis as an unintended by-product of the
connect with others in discourse and
a de ic ld be a i ake. It took a
comprehension so as to move past
serious pandemic to move our law- ake
parochialism. It is additionally
imagination from a purely international
progressively observed as communicated
perspective towards the internal arena. We
in cultural phenomena, as in ways of life
must now make sure that the attention does
and personalities. Cosmopolitanism is a
not i he a a . Social security- the
regulating perspective from which one
feeling of belongingness and safety, is what
encounters, comprehends, and makes a
any human would crave for during
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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

decision about the world resulting in a very consider at least how the new policies will
open mind to different ideas, cultures affect these populations. Actually, such an
and ways of doing things. ex-ante understanding would have allowed
the government to determine whether to use
We would like to propose a community scarce resources to ensure safe return or to
embedded perspective of this concept hold migrants in cities. These migrants may
which is compatible with the theory of not be able to go home for a long time,
nationalism. because of the virus. The state can
Like every macro-economic concept that collaborate and reach out to them and work
can be adjusted and made fit to understand on cutting down their anxieties. They can
a micro concept, philosophical and social do so by pushing for a flexible registration
concepts can also be adapted in a similar programme that could help the
a . g e e g d ill che e each all
those migrants in need.
It is widely believed by many that one
cannot have nationalist sentiments as well The pandemic of coronavirus is a study. It
as cosmopolitan views. But it is possible to is a trial of the medical ability of
have the cake and eat it too, because the state as well as its political will. It is a
research proves that concepts such as test of courage and perseverance, and a
cosmopolitan nationalism or ethnic measure of the strength of the moral
cosmopolitanism can co-e i . decisions as well as the behaviour they
A cosmopolitan society espouses the a ife i .
morality of inclusivity, a mutual economic
rapport, or a shared political framework The epidemic forces us to address profound
ade f diffe e b i . questions of human life, questions so
While multiculturalism simply identifies complex that the greatest thinkers have
the existence of diversity, a cosmopolitan addressed them before, in many ways. It is
would work towards building an inclusive a measure of where all human beings are. If
space and transforming the society from a we have any chance at saving all our lives,
tightly knit communitarian one into a even the most vulnerable ones right now, it
di e e, i cl i e ci . is through unity. Cosmopolitan ideas are
our biggest hope to fight the pandemic and
In a country as diverse and populated as rebuild our lives and dreams together.
India, if these sentiments of
communitarianism are encouraged to grow,
they have the potential to entirely eradicate LABOUR MIGRATION IN
a sense of nationalism that ties the country INDIA: NEW
together in the first place. When we talk
OPPORTUNITIES FOR
about the Khalistan movement, or
the insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir or THE STATES
the separatist demands of the North-East
stemming from feelings of alienation, the
need of the hour seems to be to yield the By Lieutenant Colonel Gaurav Bhatia
floor to these minority opinions in order (MA.DLB Student, Non-Residential
to completely evolve within the idea of the Batch, 2019)
aforementioned urbanity.

In a truly cosmopolitan state, the state COVID-19 has initiated a cycle of

governments have a need to recognize unprecedented norms. Never ever had the
migrants as part of our cities and need to current generation envisaged such a

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

ce a i f c llec i e a a i e he ei recently witnessed in various cities in India,

the complete nation, or rather the entire was the sight of such migrants who had
world would come to a screeching halt. moved to these urban places when the threat
This application of brakes, in the current of a pandemic of such a scale was not
scenario, is more out of compulsion than by envisaged and are now endeavoring to
choice. The current leadership in India, return to their hometowns due to abrupt
both at the central and the state level have closure of employment opportunity and
undertaken several steps to deal with the thereby their livelihood. In their view, it
pandemic. However, a myriad of grey areas was a clear choice for them between dying
continues to emerge out of oblivion and due to the disease or out of hunger and
seek attention of both the policy makers as poverty. This mass exodus has raised many
well as the common man. One such issue is pertinent questions.
that of labor migration. While most states
continue to view it as a problem / concern, Some of the relevant questions being raised
their return also provides new opportunities address the uncertainties of those who are
to the native states in many ways. currently unemployed due to the prevailing
situation and still be stuck in the
Migrants are an integral part of the society. places/cities of work, about their well-
Nearly, most of us are dependent on the being, their health and hygiene and basic
services of migrants. Migrants form the necessary amenities. Another important
backbone of our economy as they provide question for the authorities is how to bring
cheap services when it comes to our daily them back post the Covid-19 scenario. The
needs and domestic help, cheap labor for pandemic has shown us that the systems of
construction and infrastructural economics, of society and of services are
development and by doing menial blue- highly dependent on the migrants and their
collar tasks which the people from educated absence might cripple multiple services,
and privilege do not engage in. They often But one question, which is of great
quietly affect us yet remain unnoticed. But importance and probably has been
the pandemic which forced the central and overlooked, is how to gainfully utilize the
state governments to impose strict services of those who have now returned
lockdown across the country, has had and reached their hometowns or native
severe implications on the migrants. As one place of residence?
of the outcomes, the country witnessed
thousands of migrants thronging the streets Appropriate handling of the migrants who
a d i la i g he la ha e ic ed ( have since returned and reached home,
rather curbed) free movement to avoid the needs a novel approach and a sound
spread of the disease. They could be seen in strategy. While it would be in the interest of
extended queues and unending numbers the urban centres of industry to re-attract
swarming the roads and major these migrants, it might also be worthwhile
transportation intersections. This event was for home-states/cities to retain them and
reflective of the uncertainties that the utilize their services. In this way, the add
migrants faced in the existent precarious value to their individual skills, their
times. experiences and expertise which they have
earned elsewhere.
Migration in India occurs for multiple
reasons like marriage, education, The now-returned-migrants have imbibed
employment avenues or even due to natural distinct aspects of work culture and
disasters. However, most important among livelihood. They carry a wealth of
them is economic migration. In India, rural professional practices and lessons learnt.
to urban migration has increased They have learnt new skills and have honed
significantly over the years. What we their existing ones. Furthermore, some even

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

have a hands-on experience on the best There may not be a need for Mumbai(s) and
industrial procedures. They have the Delhi(s) for these migrants if the same
technical knowhow, can adapt quickly and effect could be generated in their home
can expeditiously turn ideas into results states by the state governments. It needs to
through their perseverance and creativity. be understood that though certain dreams
They carry a never-say-die attitude and are have been shattered, their determination
he h e i h a e eady to rise at the remains intact.
very next opportunity. Some of them are
techno savvy while others are hardworking
and diligent, some are smart performers
hile he lab i . The a e he ead -
to- e k ledge h e albei ih
guidance and financial support.
Tapping this readily available human
resource should remain one of the focus
areas of the state machinery. Creation of a
dedicated mechanism to best utilize their
skills will result in unparalleled results.
Establishing single-window-systems to
generate employment, provisioning
funding, creating result-oriented programs
at the district and local levels and involving
the private sector along with non-
governmental entities are some of the steps
that can be considered in this direction.
With the right blend of ingenuity and
initiative, their talent and capabilities can be
utilized to propel the state economy; and
hence the national GNP. All that is required
is strategic planning and translation of such
plans into executable programs coupled
with right guidance and regular mentoring.

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June 2020 Centre for Migration and Mobility Studies

Poem: Everything will be Alright

By Aayushi Agrawal (Lecturer, JGLS)

First, we will pollute our Earth with desire

We will pretend that we need more, more and more
We will race to possess, consume and accumulate
Then we will look up at the rotting soil and black skies
And rush to buy N95 masks
We, the troubled commoners of Delhi,
Will already be used to schools shutting down
Before the virus comes our way
And when the world readies itself for a crisis
We will blink with the uncomfortable comfort
of having done this before.

As we stay inside
And pace around our privileged balconies
We will look down at workers carrying their lives on their shoulders
Fleeing with empty stomachs from places that had promised them food
They will meet our eyes the way our empty hands met
Pe le f ll f e h ef e a ala ie f k d e
Their faint gait and slipping energy may not cause us to grieve
But we will grieve at the lack of places to eat and shop at
Wha d I d feel be e hi h? We ll a k
Fleeting compassion, meanwhile, will fly out of our windows
And join the dust blowing in the faces of the fleeing migrants
Just an unwelcome nuisance.

E e hi g ill be al igh e ill a

I aj a e i f a fe h
The numbers will eventually decline
The pandemic will be over
Yet, on the outline of our species
N be ha d c e gh ill c i e d i dle
The hunger pandemic might claim more lives
That weigh too little in the balance of economics
While the indifference pandemic is stymied a little
Only to simmer on a low flame.

Then, we will go back to our ordinary lives

Throwing money at things that ill d a e
Egos still racing to join the billionaire club
Paying their workers, a fraction of what they deserve
The aki g agge i g hila h ic d a i
Wh d ac fai begi i h? , e f igh hi k
And then we will go to sleep simply because we have to
E e hi g ill be al igh e ill e ea
until the heart is forced to believe it.

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