Inter-State Migration to Assam -A Study of Street Vendor in the City of Guwahati

Abstract

The migration of people from one place to another has been going on since ancient times. It has happened in every look and corner of the world. The main reason behind such migration was the food search. The process is continuing all over the world. Migration in Assam is a burning issue that draws worldwide attention. The issue of migration has been discussed from different angles, like transnational, inter-state, inter-state, and so on. However, it has been observed that the issue of illegal transnational migration has stolen much attention comparatively. Though legal, inter-state migration is also an important concern as it has socio-cultural, political and economic significance. The density of the subject of inter-state migration can be felt in cities like Guwahati, Assam, especially in the informal sector. Migrants from outside the state border are basically visible in areas like, tiny trades, door-to-door vendors, low-income earning jobs, mechanics, carpenters, rickshaw pullers, daily wage labourers, etc. There always has an effect of such migrants which needs to be studied for the greater interest of the state. This paper attempts to make a very modest study of the street vendors of the city of Guwahati. It seems that most of the city street vendors are migrants and they have monopolized the informal sector in the city. During study it will be attempted to know their origin, causes of migration to Assam, and choosing the particular business. It is hoped that the study will be able to find out the consequences of such migration in depth and its adverse effects on the growing problem of joblessness and environmental degradation in the city.