Rights and Realities of Migrant Labourers In India: The Way Forward

Abstract

Migrant labourers in India have a contradictory role within the nation's economic and social structure: they are essential to urban development and industrial output, yet continue to be among the most vulnerable and marginalised populations. Their lived experiences are characterised by unstable employment, insufficient housing, the absence of social security, and systemic exclusion from welfare programs. The COVID-19 epidemic revealed the vulnerability of their rights, underscoring deficiencies in labour law enforcement, inter-state collaboration, and inclusive policy formulation. This article analyses the convergence of rights and conditions of migrant labourers, contextualising their challenges within wider discussions on labour law reform, social justice, and human dignity. It advocates for a holistic approach that encompasses portable social security, acknowledgement of informal employment, enhanced legal protections, and participatory governance structures. The study highlights the critical necessity for a rights-based framework that not only safeguards migrant labourers but also empowers them as equal participants in India's developmental path, thereby reconciling constitutional commitments with daily realities.