Q.19. What is ‘reverse migration’? What was its impact on the economy and social order of Uttar Pradesh during the COVID – 19 Lockdown?

‘Reverse migration’ refers to the phenomenon where migrants return to their place of origin after having migrated to another place for a certain period. It’s often temporary, with migrants returning home during economic downturns or crises and then re-migrating when conditions improve.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, reverse migration had a significant impact on the economy and social order of Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Economically, it led to labor shortages in urban areas and an oversupply of labor in rural areas, potentially driving down wages. Many migrant workers returned to UP due to job losses and unpaid wages in their host regions, which strained the rural economies and disrupted urban economies due to labor shortages.

Socially, the sudden influx of returnees put pressure on social services and changed family structures. The state government faced challenges in managing the crisis, including providing employment and rehabilitation for the returning migrants.

The lockdown also led to economic insecurity for many families who had been living outside the state for long periods. They were treated as outsiders in their place of origin, which affected the social fabric of communities. Additionally, the involuntary nature of the reverse migration, lack of preparedness, and planning among the government, and social hostility against migrants created multiple challenges. However, some positive impacts included the boost in agricultural activities due to the availability of more labor during the sowing season.