Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered unprecedented challenges across the globe, significantly impacting various aspects of human life, including social migration. In India, the pandemic led to a massive wave of internal migration as millions of migrant workers attempted to return to their home states in the face of job losses, economic uncertainties, and public health concerns. This research report explores the phenomenon of social migration during the COVID-19 pandemic from an Indian perspective. It investigates the underlying factors, consequences, and policy implications of this migration wave and provides insights into the lessons learned to enhance preparedness for future crises.