Abstract ID: 3.10518 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Leh town in Ladakh Union Territory in the western section of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) has witnessed a large-scale infrastructure development. Much of this is owing to mass influx of tourists over the last decade attributed to its pristine environment, landscape and spiritual significance as an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Given the unique but harsh climatic conditions of high altitude cold desert, the region is open to economic activity in a highly restricted timeline of about 6-7 months in a year. Its low population base has ensured an overwhelming dependence on extra-territorial migrant labour most of which is contracted for a season. This paper aims to explore the livelihood opportunities and challenges among the seasonal migrants in Leh town based on an analysis of primary data generated from 112 migrants drawn from various occupational categories such as housekeepers, waiters, drivers, cooks, hotel/ restaurant managers, painters, carpenters, construction workers, saloon workers, tailors, electricians, mechanics, etc. An overwhelming majority of migrant workers were males (81%), mostly young adults of 25-40 years, and natives of relatively less developed States like Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Factors such as low daily wages, unemployment and high competition, hot weather conditions in home States were important factors determining their decision to seek seasonal employment in Leh. Attractive compensation packages (including a significant component of savings), diverse job opportunities and polite behaviour of the locals more than offset the remote location of the region, its harsh weather conditions and associated health challenges. For a few, working in Leh was aspirational – pull of rugged natural beauty.