📄 Abstract
Migration has become a significant livelihood strategy for workers seeking better employment opportunities, particularly in the informal sector. The present study examines the migration patterns and characteristics as well as the socio-economic conditions of informal labour (primarily migrant informal workers) in Kalimpong Municipality Area, Kalimpong District, West Bengal. The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire from 70 migrant informal workers and is supplemented by secondary data obtained from various government reports, journal articles and census publications. The findings reveal that most respondents migrated from Bihar, Nepal and neighbouring districts of West Bengal, with migration primarily driven by the lack of employment opportunities and livelihood insecurity in their native places. Construction, self-employment, retail trade and domestic work constitute the major occupations of the respondents. Although migration has contributed to improved household incomes and regular remittance flows, most workers continue to experience low wages, long working hours, rented accommodation and limited employment security, reflecting the precarious nature of informal employment. At the same time, access to government healthcare, drinking water, and sanitation has contributed to improving their living conditions. The study also finds that while a considerable proportion of migrants intend to remain in Kalimpong, the majority prefer to return to their native places after achieving their economic objectives.
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📚 How to Cite:
Phup Kesang Bhutia , SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF INFORMAL WORKERS IN KALIMPONG MUNICIPALITY AREA , Volume 12 , Issue 7, July 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , Pages: 666 - 675 ,