Internal Migration in India
Migration plays a significant role in socio-economic development. According to the 2011 Census, 37% of India's population consists of internal migrants, which marks an increase from 31% in 2001. The National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) also reported an increase in migration from 25% in 1993 to 29% in 2007-08. The Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21 estimates the migration rate at 28.9%.
Rural and Urban Migration Disparities
- Rural Migration Rate: 26.5%
- Urban Migration Rate: 34.9%
- The dominant form of migration is rural-urban, primarily due to better employment opportunities in urban areas and issues like poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
Trends in Internal Migration
There are notable regional differences in migration patterns:
- Intra-district Migration: Most prevalent form.
- Inter-state and Inter-district Migration: Increasing due to poverty and illiteracy in certain regions.
- States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab with higher per capita Net State Domestic Product attract more migrants.
- Economically backward states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha are major sources of migrants.
Regional Stories of Migration
Different regions have unique migration patterns:
- Kerala: Attracts migrants from Northern, Eastern, and North-Eastern regions due to livelihood opportunities.
- Uttarakhand: Has "ghost villages" due to large-scale emigration caused by lack of employment and natural disasters.
The Paradox of Internal Migration
Remittances play a critical role in improving the economic well-being of households in source areas:
- Internal migrants contribute to two-thirds of remittances.
- Age is a crucial determinant, with individuals aged 15-45 years sending 25-60% of total remittances.
- Challenges for migrant-receiving states include pressure on housing, water, and sanitation.
Challenges and Policies for Migrants
Social and economic challenges hinder upward mobility for migrants:
- Migrants face caste and class hierarchies, landlessness, and debt.
- Migrant workers often have little access to social protection and security benefits.
- Policies addressing these challenges include the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008, Maternity Benefits Act 1961 (Amendment 2017), and others.
Effective implementation of these policies can enhance opportunities and protection for informal migrant workers.