This study aims to understand the rural development of K Village through the concept of migration. In particular, the study intends to obtain a better understanding of the migration patterns and mobility experiences of the local people, their reason for settling in K Village, and the prospective migration plans of the younger generation. The informants of this study are categorized into three groups, according to their migration experiences. They are grouped as 1) returned migrants, 2) immigrants or in-bound migrants, and 3) left-behind family (of out-bound migrants). Returned migrants consist of retired army personnel who opted to return to K Village in order to spend their retirement years, while receiving a pension from the government. Some of them also engage in local businesses in the village. Immigrants or in-bound migrants are those who are originally from neighboring areas or states, or even foreign countries but settled in K Village, together with their families. Their reasons for choosing K Village are varied. These include job transfers, retirement, and spiritual attachment to the place. As for the left-behind family, one or two of their family members are presently living outside K Village and often return to the village for special family occasions such as weddings or birthdays. Their migrant family members do send remittances back to them. The effect of their remittances is seen in the lifestyle development of the left-behind families in the form of newly constructed houses and new house appliances.

Special Issue
“Developmental Challenges in Rural India: A Village Level Examination in Himalayan Mountains”