A Qualitative Exploration of Rural–Urban Migration Narratives in Chandigarh‘s Informal Economy

Abstract

Rural–urban migration in India is often reduced to economic statistics, but beneath every moved family lies a story of hope, struggle, and belonging. This study explores the lived experiences of 45 migrant labourers in Chandigarh through focus group discussions (FGDs). Using a narrative, human-centred approach, we examine why people leave their villages, how they survive in the city, and what keeps them connected to their rural roots. Our findings reveal that migration is rarely a simple choice: it is shaped by fragmented landholdings, the pull of modest but reliable urban wages, and the presence of kin networks. Participants described migration as a ―journey without a map‖ – a mix of aspiration and compulsion. The paper argues for policy interventions that address not just economic push factors but also the emotional and social costs of leaving home.