Employment Status of Intra-State Migrant Workers in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Migration has emerged as a major factor affecting labor markets and overall economic growth in numerous countries, including industrially advanced ones like Tamil Nadu. This paper seeks to show how the employment status and working conditions of intra-state migrant workers influence their economic well-being, and to examine the specific characteristics of such migrations using the case of Pudukkottai district. The study draws on both qualitative and quantitative data collected from 200 respondents. It used the survey method and was carried out with a carefully designed questionnaire. Special emphasis is placed on the socio-economic traits of respondents, including employment status, job satisfaction, job security, income levels, and working hours. In addition, the paper investigates the relationship among age, gender, and occupation, and the association between education level and income, assessed via the chi-square test. The study’s findings show that the majority of respondents are young to middle-aged men, typically employed in the textile and construction sectors. Most of them are employed under a contract, enjoy a reasonably satisfactory level of job security, and earn an average income. Moreover, the study revealed a statistically significant link between the education level and the income of migrant workers. The paper concludes that improving working conditions and securing stable employment for intra-state migrants is crucial to enhancing their socio-economic wellbeing.