Choice or necessity, migration depleting Punjab of human resource, finds discussion

Following mass deportations of Indian nationals from the United States, several questions have been raised, discussed and debated upon regarding the near-obsessive migration trends among the youth in Punjab. Attempting to answer some of them, the School of Social Sciences at Guru Nanak Dev University hosted a seminar titled, “Migration Story of Punjab: Past and Present”, with scholars, policymakers and migration experts coming together to discuss the causes of migration from Punjab, its socio-economic implications and the evolving trends in exodus from the state.

GNDU vice-chancellor Dr Karamjeet Singh, Prof Anjali Mehra (seminar director), Prof BS Ghuman (former vice-chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala), and Dr Gian Singh (former professor, Punjabi University, Patiala) were the main speakers who touched upon the factors leading to migration and the possible roadmap ahead for retaining the human resource of Punjab.

GNDU VC Dr Karamjeet Singh, while addressing the question, “Is migration driven by choice or necessity”, stressed upon the importance of critically analysing this question to understand the root causes of migration and its socio-economic impact on Punjab. “The glorification of life abroad, particularly through social media, has resulted in harsh realities faced by migrants in foreign lands being overlooked,” he said. Pointing to the deportation of illegal migrants, he highlighted the prominence of Punjab in this regard and said that the state is earning infamy by not taking up the matter with the urgency it requires.

Dr Gian Singh, a former professor at Punjabi University, Patiala, who has extensively researched the social and economic effects of migration, said key factors drive the youth outwards which include better living conditions, peer pressure, financial/social aspirations and unemployment.

“With overseas migration surging significantly post 2014, the trend is worrisome as it is draining Punjab of its young human resource,” he said.

Prof BS Ghuman stressed on the need for an academic discourse to address Punjab’s migration challenges.

Experts said that several reformative policies are required to mitigate these challenges. “This includes strengthening local opportunities for students, skill development for Punjabi youth, promoting entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, dignity of labour and creating more jobs,” said Dr Karamjeet Singh.

Prof BS Ghuman presented a more balanced view of the migration issue. While acknowledging the hardships that migrants face, he pointed out the need to address Punjab’s internal challenges which contribute to the migration crisis.