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University of Vermont

Publication Date

Spring 2012

Program Name

India: Sustainable Development and Social Change

Abstract

Outmigration of rural youth from the hill districts of Uttarakhand has happened since time immemorial. However, within the past decade it has appeared as a frontline issue. This is evidenced by the massive increase in government and NGO rural livelihood development schemes directly and indirectly targeting outmigration throughout the state. This study investigates migration from the mostly rural districts of Uttarakhand to the urban centers of the plains, namely Dehradun and Delhi. It focuses on the prospective livelihood of young adults. Questions addressed in the study; (1) What are the different factors which influence migration of youths? (2) What are the different perspectives on migration, and what are the consequences of these different perspectives for rural development? (3) How are youths changing the traditional agricultural system? (4) Why are the dreams and aspirations of many youths only possible in cities? Three different samples are used in this study; migrants residing in Dehradun and Delhi, NGO and government associated officials, and village communities in hill districts of Uttarakhand. Observation, interviews, questionnaires, and focus group discussions are the primary means of data collection. Research themes discussed include issues of rural livelihood, young adults, migration, modernity, globalization, socialization and rural development.

Disciplines

Demography, Population, and Ecology | Family, Life Course, and Society | Growth and Development | Politics and Social Change | Rural Sociology | Urban Studies and Planning

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