Unpacking the “Diaspora-Development” Mantra: Does Punjabi Diaspora Have the Potential to Contribute to the Rejuvenation of Punjab’s Economy?

Abstract

Punjabi diaspora is now over 2 million strong and ranks as one of the oldest of the “free” Indian regional diasporas with a history of over 125 years. Given this long history, large segments of this diaspora are economically, socially and politically well settled and positioned in their adopted countries. This paper tries to unpack the current economic relationship between Punjab and its diaspora. An attempt is made to assess the current and potential contribution that Punjabi diaspora makes or can make to the Punjab economy by examining the motives, aspirations and abilities of the main factors involved. It will also consider, taking examples from other diasporas, how and why Punjabi diaspora’s potential contribution continues to be poorly mobilised and underutilised. It is argued that a major reason for this is the absence of a constructive engagement between the state government and diaspora communities, despite the populist rhetoric emanating from both.