Migration, Workers, and Fundamental Freedoms: Pandemic Vulnerabilities and States of Exception in India

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a mass exodus of Indian migrant workers from cities to villages, leading to social conditions and concerns around health, labor, migration, and gender. The book explores the failings of public health systems and the state response, disproportionately affecting marginalized social groups. It reflects on the socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers, their rights to dignity, citizenship, and the need for robust systems of democratic and constitutional accountability. The book also critically looks at the gendered vulnerabilities of women and non-cis persons, the exacerbation of social stratification and prejudices, incidents of intimidation, and proposed labor reforms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant wave of migration as Indian migrant workers returned to their rural villages, driven by the need to escape the urban centers amidst the pandemic's challenges. This book delves into the complex social dynamics and pressing concerns that emerged as a result of this forced migration, encompassing health, labor, migration, and gender issues.

The book highlights the inadequacies of public health systems and the inadequate state response to the humanitarian crisis that unfolded during the pandemic. It sheds light on how marginalized social groups, such as Dalits and Adivasi communities, women, and Muslim workers, were disproportionately affected by the lockdown measures. The book also reflects on the socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers, their rights to dignity, and the challenges surrounding citizenship. It raises critical questions about the need for robust systems of democratic and constitutional accountability to protect the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations.

The chapters in the book critically examine the gendered vulnerabilities of women and non-cis persons in both public and private spaces. They highlight the exacerbation of social stratification and prejudices, incidents of intimidation by the administration and police forces, and the potential risks associated with proposed labor reforms that may further exacerbate the insecurities of migrant workers.

This timely and important book holds significant value for researchers and students in sociology, public policy, development studies, gender studies, labor and economics, and law. It provides valuable insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant workers during the pandemic and offers valuable recommendations for addressing these issues. By shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of these marginalized communities, the book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the social and economic dynamics of forced migration and its impact on society.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367702885