Vol. 12, Issue 1 (2023)

Author(s):
Atulla C Momin, Punam Kumari and Sudhanand Prasad Lal

Abstract:
A research study was carried out in the North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the socioeconomic condition of migrants who were affected by the pandemic's outbreak and subsequent lockdown. The data were collected from 100 migrant workers using a structured interview schedule. At the 1 percent level of significance, the correlation analysis showed that factors such as age, occupation, family size, social participation, material possession, annual income, and mass media exposure were positively and substantially associated with the impact of COVID-19. According to regression analysis, only two of the eight characteristics under investigation, namely age and family size, were significant at the 1 percent level. It was discovered that there is a significant and strong correlation between COVID-19 and a number of factors, notably gender, income, and occupation, which is detrimental for migrants. In order to protect them, further promises for enhanced occupational safety and health information, pay and livelihood guarantees, and other specialized measures relevant to work arrangements, such as working hours and living conditions, may be implemented. This would guarantee that migrants have access to healthcare, aid programs, and social safeguards in order to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19.