Migrant cycle Rickshaw pullers of Delhi: Pedalling for survival and livelihood

Despite of all modern means of transportation including Metro trains, cycle rickshaws continue to be indispensable to commuters in Delhi. In fact, these cycle rickshaws provide direct employment to more than a million migrant workers. This study is conducted to learn the realities and concerns of these migrant rickshaw pullers of Delhi. It is looking at reasons for their migration to Delhi and the economic impacts of their migration. The study found these rickshaw pullers as seasonal migrants due to unemployment, underemployment and low wages in rural India. There is a correlation between level of stress in source areas of migration and pattern of migration.They are pedalling cycle rickshaws with passengers for their livelihood in Delhi and for the survival of their families in rural India. Most of them have improved their living standards by sending money home, educating their children and by fulfilling basic needs such as food and clothing. Therefore, this study recommends safeguarding the dignity, safety, human rights and fundamental rights of these rickshaw pullers. It calls for enhancing migration as an opportunity for the rural poor for their livelihood and survival.