This article looks at voluntary emigration from Kandebash VDC of Baglung district, Nepal, to India and other countries and the causes and long-term impact of such mobility at the local level. The study finds how the emigration of male members has resulted in the decline of agricultural production, whereas access to remittances has increased the dependence of households on market goods. The author attributes migration mainly to unemployment, food deficiency, increased expenditure, easy availability of unskilled work and cash payment and also considers ‘social factors’ such as the ‘bright lights of the city’ and talks of adventures abroad as influencing their decision to migrate. With regards to the impact of migration, the article notes that while families use remittances for household expenses and food consumption, the village economy has remained stagnant with no signs of development. Further, the workload of women has increased in the absence of able-bodied male labourers. The author argues that emigration could be problematic in the long run as it decreases the availability of labour at the origin and hinders local development.

Gautam, T.R. 2005. Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology. 1, 146-163.