Inclusive growth for whom? A study of migrant workers’ rights and political capacities in contemporary Delhi

Abstract

India’s many migrant workers have contributed tremendously to the country’s rapid economic growth, especially in the big metropoles. Neverthless, significant challenges are facing the migrants during their work period in the cities. The extensive legal structure for labour protection and welfare is present, but the government has failed to implement labour- regulation standards and rights. On the basis of this contradiction the thesis seeks to elaborate upon this workforces’ possibilities to make use of labour laws, welfare schemes and their rights- based on citizenship and work. There is an interplay between the migrant workers and their representatives on one hand, and relevant democratic institutions on the other. Four theoretical dimensions concerning the workers’ citizenship rights and political capacities are used to elaborate upon the prospects for the migrants within the Indian democracy. The analysis reveals that despite their vulnerable situation and their enormous efforts, they still lack effective citizenship. The main conclusion of this study is that the migrant workers to a small extent can use the existing institutions of democracy to enhance their rights- based on citizenship and work. A glimmer of hope is witnessed, but for India to achieve a strong growth that includes the migrants, major steps need to be taken. An increased applicability of migrants’ citizenship rights, inclusion within Delhi, adjustment for participation in terms of self-organizing, in addition to proper representation are all factors which have to be prioritized.