Debt and distress spur youth migration from rural Punjab

Abstract

This paper analyses of effects of debt and distress on the youth of rural Punjab. It examines papers which are diverse in their geographical location to provide a broad perspective on this exodus. The paper also points to the mental impact on farmers who are buried in debt and how this manifests into suicides. It also underscores the push and pull factors behind migration and lists out low income, less employment opportunities, indebtedness, corruption and drug abuse as major factors behind migration. It discusses various policy implications to improve this situation, including providing vocational education and employment generation.