Mr. Utsav Saraswat will present his MTP2 as per the details below:

Date: Friday, 19th June 2026

Time: 1700-1800 hrs.

Venue: C-TARA Conference Room No.1

Topic: Bonded in silence: Migrant labour in India's sugarcane fields

Guide: Prof. Parmeshwar D. Udmale

Examiners: Prof. Satish B. Agnihotri, Prof. Rahul Sapkal

Abstract:

Seasonal migration for sugarcane harvesting contributes to one of the largest forms of circular labour migration in Maharashtra, driven by push factors as livelihood insecurity, agrarian distress, water scarcity, and limited employment opportunities in source regions. This study examines the socio-economic conditions of migrant sugarcane workers and analyses the institutional and operational framework that governs the sugarcane harvesting system. The research utilizes mixed-methods approach combining secondary literature review with primary fieldwork conducted in Pune district of Maharashtra. Household surveys were undertaken in source villages to understand livelihood patterns, while interviews of 50 migrant workers is taken at destination village, along with that, farmers, mukadams, transporters, sugar factory representatives, and government officials was interviewed to understand the direct and indirect dependencies of system and their individual perspectives.

The findings reveal that the sugarcane harvesting system operates through an informal network of intermediaries where advance payments, verbal agreements, and debt-based labour arrangements controls worker mobility and employment relations. Despite their central role in the sugar and ethanol value chain, workers remain excluded from formal labour protections and experience inadequate housing, unsafe transportation, poor sanitation, limited healthcare access, interrupted education for children, and restricted access to welfare schemes. The study identifies significant gaps between policy provisions and implementation, despite ongoing welfare initiatives by government agencies and sugar factories. It further highlights the need for formal recognition of sugarcane workers, strengthened social protection systems, improved worksite facilities, enhanced transparency in labour arrangements, and integrated digital monitoring mechanisms.

By documenting stakeholder perspectives and on ground realities, this research contributes to the understanding of seasonal migration as both a livelihood strategy and a manifestation of structural vulnerabilities within rural labour markets. The findings offer policy recommendations aimed at improving the welfare, dignity, and rights of migrant sugarcane workers in Maharashtra.