Nepali Migrant Porters in Sikkim

Abstract

India has remained a favoured destination of work for many migrants hailing from rural areas of far western and eastern Nepal. Among these migrants, there are some who move towards the larger metro cities in the heartland and others who travel to smaller hilly states to sell their labour. One such group are the Nepali immigrants working as porters in Sikkim. They have a historical presence and are deeply ingrained in the state economy. However, due to the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 signed between the two nations, they are classified as neither local nor foreign workers in India. Such ambiguity makes their labour status unclear and exposes them to exploitation, leaving them unprotected under labour laws. Despite facing several predicaments, these workers can exist in congruence with the host community and make a decent livelihood. The study views these migrants as social actors who can navigate through their adversities of working as unskilled labour in a politically debilitating set-up by utilising their social capital and forming social networks in everyday life to sustain themselves as well as remit to their families. The study uses primary data collected via an interview schedule with the Nepali migrants working as porters, as well as the members of the host area in Gangtok and Namchi districts of Sikkim. Secondary information is collected from relevant articles and journals.