Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Seasonal migration remains a prevalent livelihood strategy among agricultural labour households in rural India, particularly in economically distressed states like Bihar. This study investigates the socio-economic impact of seasonal migration on agricultural labour households in Siwan District, Bihar, with a specific focus on five dimensions: household income, educational attainment of children, healthcare access and expenditure, family cohesion, and child nutrition. Utilizing a descriptive and comparative research design, data was collected from 50 purposively selected households, equally divided between migrant and non-migrant groups. The Seasonal Migration Impact Assessment Scale (SMIAS), a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire, was used to gather primary data. Secondary data from government reports, census documents, and relevant literature further contextualized the findings.

The study employs independent samples t-tests to analyze the differences between migrant and non-migrant households across the identified variables. Results reveal that while seasonal migration contributes to higher short-term household income through remittances, it often comes at the cost of educational disruptions, reduced healthcare access, and weakened family cohesion. Furthermore, the nutritional status of children in migrant households shows signs of vulnerability, reflecting the broader implications of absentee caregiving and inconsistent food security.

By highlighting both the economic benefits and social costs of seasonal migration, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers and development agencies aiming to design targeted interventions. It recommends integrated policies that support migrant households through education continuity, health services access, and family support mechanisms, ensuring that migration does not compromise household well-being. The study also contributes to the academic discourse by addressing a critical research gap at the district level.