AMIDST HOPE AND VULNERABILITIES: A POST-COVID 19 STUDY OF INTERNAL MIGRANTS FROM BIHAR abstract

Background: The Covid-19 unfolded an array of spatial, socio-economic, and political vulnerabilities that imposed various challenges for internal migrants across India. This period witnessed the peak of migrant’s vulnerabilities that failed to cater their mundane livelihood requirements. It not only pushed these internal migrants into the brink of their sufferings or beyond, but also exposed the long-standing apathy of both the central and state governments towards them, including their policy perspectives and implications. Aim: This research attempts to explore the nature of vulnerabilities leading to job losses, economic instability, and social stigma faced by these migrants. Method & Materials : This study using qualitative techniques, including interviews and field observations, data were collected from 50 internal migrants from Bihar at Azadpur Mandi and Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Results: The study emphasizes the need for targeted policies and interventions to address these vulnerabilities, empowering migrants, protecting their rights, and facilitating their integration into society. Conclusion: The study further identifies that effective implementation and monitoring of existing policies are crucial to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real impact.

Keywords: Internal migrants, vulnerabilities, policies, covid 19