ABSTRACT
The sudden nationwide complete lockdown announced on March 24, 2020, had a catastrophic impact on the livelihoods of millions of migrant workers across India. The study aims to understand the nuances of this impact and is based on a primary survey conducted in Pune via mobile phone and in-person interviews of 234 migrant workers, including short- and long-term migrant workers. The results of the study highlight the loss of employment, expenditure cut back and food insecurity experienced by migrant workers, among many other distress indicators. This food security issue was further aggravated by the hurdles caused by the use of ration cards. In addition, this chapter highlights the psychological distress of migrants as seen through their anxiety, stress and feeling of worthlessness. The study offers short-term and long-term policy measures to address food, nutrition security and psychological distress to avert such a crisis in the future.
