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ABSTRACT
This paper deals with seasonal migration of labour in the high altitude Leh town. Ladakh region has emerged as an attractive spot for investment due to tourism, strategic importance and cultural diversity which subsequently generated employment in the informal sector and seasonal jobs. Low population density but high labour demand in this region has led to the labour in-migration from within the state, other developing Indian states (like Bihar, UP, Odisha, Jharkhand etc.) of India as well as from Nepal. Due to extreme climate, access barrier and high transport cost, labourers are compelled to move there in the 'summer' only, where there are comparatively higher income opportunities. This paper aims to understand the migrant labour dynamics, their negotiations and the policy and actions gaps towards beneficial of the labour rights. This study was conducted with the mixed method approach of social research with the data collection techniques of participant observation, focused group discussion, indepth interview and collection of secondary data from various government offices. Findings reveal the precarious conditions of the seasonal labours in their workplace and staying, violations of labour rights, lack of organisation, local bias towards them.
Keywords: Employment, Seasonal migration, Negotiations, Policy gaps, mixed method
One of the highest altitude cold deserts Ladakh is very mesmerising territory of attention not only from the tourists but also from the researchers, policy makers, strategists etc. Leh, geographically located in the top of North Eastern side, latitude and longitude of Leh is 34.10°N, 77.35°E. With the intrinsic beauty laded up with the threat of extreme climate and dry weather, has created a sparse settlement. Located in the Western part of the Tibetan Ladakh region has a strong likeness with the Tibetans. Buddhist are the dominant cultural group in the region which got a semi-autonomous administration recognising its unique cultural heritage. (Rizvi, J. 1996). With the increasing focus after the Kargil War and conflicts escalating with China, union of India has put immense importance on the Ladakh region. Ladakh including the Kashmir region was made semi-autonomous by the Indian union government. Being an autonomous hill region it enjoys the freedom regarding development projects and making it a favourite tourist destination. Leh, is the district head quarter of Leh district, and according to latest census,...