Heart of Punjab: Growing unrest between migrants, natives not healthy for state’s economy and farm sector, say experts

The brutal stabbing of Gursewak Singh, a youth from Mohali, allegedly by a group of migrants on Mahashivratri, close on the heels of a firing incident involving migrants in Moga and the arrest of a Ferozepur-based sarpanch and others, has once again brought to the fore the simmering tension between native residents and migrant labourers in Punjab.As per a conservative estimate, over 40 lakh migrants are living in the state, with major concentrations in districts like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, and Mohali.In Ludhiana, migrants are holding the positions of municipal councillors and sarpanches and even vying for tickets to fight assembly elections.While mainstream political parties have largely stayed away from direct interference in such matters.However, fundamentalist elements are attempting to exploit the situation through fear-mongering, alleging that a demographic change is underway in the state.Social activists like Amitoz Mann have demanded the introduction of a domicile law to regulate what he terms the “influx” of migrants.He has also called for maintaining a proper database of migrants residing in Punjab and demanded that, in line with neighbouring state Himachal Pradesh, a law should be introduced to prohibit outsiders from purchasing land in the state.For decades, natives and migrant communities largely coexisted peacefully. However, over the past year, tensions have reportedly escalated, leading to instances of migrants from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh returning home.Sociologists have expressed concern over the emerging trend, suggesting that such conflicts may be politically motivated and that claims of migrants “eating away jobs” are often exaggerated or lack empirical backing.They said such conflicts are not healthy for a state that is already facing a deep economic crisis, and any tension could jeopardise its industrial, infrastructure, and agricultural growth.A recent study on rural–urban migration in Punjab and Haryana by former professors Lakhwinder Singh (Economics), Sukhwinder Singh (Sociology), and researcher Deepak Kumar provides key insights into migration patterns and informal sector employment in the two states.The study notes that Punjab attracts a large number of migrants from economically weaker states such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand, primarily due to demand in agriculture and the services sector. In contrast, migration to Haryana is more industry-driven and urban-focused.While migrants in both states remain vulnerable due to informal employment structures, Haryana offers relatively better earnings prospects. The authors stress the need for policy interventions in skill development, social protection, and inclusive urban planning.Though the current tensions carry religious and community overtones, experts caution that pushing such an agenda could prove detrimental to Punjab’s economy. Labour remains indispensable for sustaining agricultural and industrial operations in the state. A diverse and mobile workforce, they argue, is essential for economic growth and social dynamism.Former Professor of Economics at Punjabi University, who is presently a Prof of Economics at Thapar University, Lakhwinder Singh, observed that demographic changes are gradual but inevitable.“Despite resistance from some fundamentalist groups, demographic shifts are slowly taking place. Higher-income local families increasingly send their children to private schools where Punjabi is spoken less frequently, while many migrant families enrol their children in government schools where they are learning and speaking fluent Punjabi. Over time, these changes will become more visible,” he said.He added that while maintaining a database of migrants could help the government regulate movement and prevent criminal elements from entering the state, it is equally important to ensure better living conditions. At present, a large section of migrant labourers resides in deplorable conditions with inadequate sanitation and hygiene. He further noted that although the influx of migrants has increased, their earnings have not witnessed significant upward mobility in Punjab.Former professor of Political Science at Arya College and founder director of the UGC funded Shaheed Bhagat Singh Studies Centre, PS Bhogal, described the present conflict as politically motivated.“Punjab has historically been secular, and its plurality has been central to its prosperity. However, a few fundamentalist elements do exist both within the state and among the migrants, especially those hailing from central Indian states. With elections approaching, political actors may be attempting to polarise the environment for electoral gains. This is very unfortunate, but the people of Punjab must be sensitised against any such attempts."He further said, "Punjabis should be better able to understand this native-migrant complexity of co-existence as a large number of them are in a similar status in several other countries where they occasionally do experience such strains and stresses in multiple ways.”Sukhdev Singh, former professor of Sociology at Punjab Agricultural University, emphasised that migrant labour forms a critical pillar of both the rural and urban economy.“If the state’s economic cycle has to keep moving, we are heavily dependent on migrant workers — from domestic help to factory foremen, from farm labourers to construction workers. Many labour-intensive sectors rely significantly on migrant manpower. Cost-effectiveness is one aspect, but equally important is the fact that many native residents are unwilling to undertake certain kinds of work, which migrants readily fill,” he said.Experts agree that while isolated criminal incidents must be dealt with firmly under the law, broad-brush narratives targeting entire communities risk harming Punjab’s social fabric and economic stability.

Heart of Punjab: Growing unrest between migrants, natives not healthy for state’s economy and farm sector, say experts

Social activists have demanded introduction of a domicile law to regulate 'influx' of migrants in Punjab

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Heart of Punjab: Growing unrest between migrants, natives not healthy for state’s economy and farm sector, say experts

Social activists have demanded introduction of a domicile law to regulate 'influx' of migrants in Punjab

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

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