Determinants and social impact of migration in Diprung Chuichumma rural municipality Khotang

Abstract

The present study examines the determinants and social impact of internal migration in Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality-3, Khotang. The main objective of this study was to identify and analyze the key social determinants of migration and to examine the resulting social impact on households and the community left behind. This study is guided by the philosophical approach of social constructivism, which views migration as a multidimensional social process created by human experience and interaction. The study employed a qualitative research design to examine the determinants of internal migration and its social impact in Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality -3, Khotang. Qualitative methods were primarily used for data collection, which included field observation, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. In addition, for the purpose of data collection, a total number of 105 households were selected as the sample from 462 households in the ward consisting of 80 migrant households and 25 non-migrant households. The data collected from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. The findings showed that migration was mainly influenced by push and pull factors. Key push factors included a lack of employment opportunities, inadequate quality of education, limited healthcare services, poor infrastructure, agricultural labor shortages, and environmental vulnerabilities. Conversely, pull factors included expectations of better employment and business opportunities, access to quality education and health services, transportation facilities, safer living environments, and support from relatives and social networks. Migration was found to be selective, with a higher tendency among the youth and economically active population groups. The social impacts of migration in Diprung Chuichumma Rural Municipality were found to be diverse and far-reaching. Migration has brought significant changes to the demographic structure, resulting in a population decline and an increasing proportion of elderly individuals and women remaining in the village. The out migration of working-age individuals has created a shortage of labor, particularly affecting the agricultural sector, where many farmlands remain uncultivated and productivity has declined. Migration has also influenced the education sector; the vi number of students in local schools has decreased due to families moving to urban areas to send their children to cities for quality educational opportunities. Similarly, migration has also affected physical infrastructure and settlements, leaving many houses vacant and in a deteriorating condition, which has weakened community cohesion. This study contributes academically by providing localized empirical evidence and integrating multiple theoretical perspectives on migration. Policy-wise, the findings emphasize the need for place-based development interventions, employment creation, and social protection measures to address the root causes of migration and mitigate its adverse social impacts.