Factors Influencing Migrant Livelihood Strategies: Evidence from Tirupur District

Tirupur, one of India’s leading textile and knitwear hubs, has emerged as a major destination for both intra-state and inter-state migrant workers. This study examines how push and pull factors shape the livelihood strategies of migrant households in Tirupur District. Using the push–pull theoretical framework, the study investigates the socio-economic pressures in the place of origin—such as limited employment opportunities, agrarian distress, low wages, and inadequate social security—that compel individuals to migrate. Simultaneously, it explores the attractive forces in Tirupur, including abundant job availability in the textile sector, higher wage prospects, network support, and improved access to urban amenities. Primary data collected through structured questionnaires and interviews highlight the adaptive livelihood practices adopted by migrants, such as multi-skilling, informal job mobility, collective living arrangements, and remittance behaviour. The findings reveal that although migration enhances income security to some extent, migrants continue to face vulnerabilities related to job insecurity, exploitation, poor living conditions, and limited access to welfare schemes. The study contributes to the understanding of migration–livelihood linkages in industrial clusters and underscores the need for inclusive labour policies, skill development interventions, and social protection mechanisms to strengthen migrant resilience in Tirupur.