After Operation Sindoor, fear has spread in the border areas of Punjab due to a series of drone attacks. This growing insecurity has led to migrant workers leaving Punjab in large numbers, especially those from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar as well as southern states.
Even though a ceasefire has been announced, the fear among people has not gone away. As a result, railway stations, bus stands in Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Pathankot are witnessing heavy crowds of workers heading back to their hometowns.
People priortize their safety
It’s not just the labourers — street vendors, daily wage earners, and students from other states are also choosing to return home. The atmosphere of uncertainty has made people prioritize their safety over work opportunities. A large number of seasonal migrant workers take part in transplanting paddy fields, which is a labour-intensive process. With many of them now returning home, Punjab may face a serious labour shortage in the coming weeks.
Risking labour shortage for paddy season
This situation comes at a critical time for Punjab. The paddy (rice) planting season is set to begin on June 1. Every year, the state depends heavily on migrant workers for transplanting paddy. With migrant workers leaving Punjab in large numbers, there’s growing concern about a serious labour shortage that could disrupt agricultural activity.
Local Industry depends upon migrants
The impact may not stop at agriculture. Local industries, which also rely on migrant labour, could face workforce shortages in the coming weeks. This disruption can affect production and business continuity.
Labour migrants waiting for situation
People who are leaving say they feel safer being with their families during such uncertain times. Many of them have said they will return to Punjab only when the situation is completely under control.
The sight of migrant workers leaving Punjab reflects how security issues directly affect migration, agriculture, and industry — the core of rural India’s economy.
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