Over the past four decades, India has witnessed a transformative evolution in the trends of labor migration, both within its borders and across international frontiers. The dynamics of this phenomenon have been shaped by a confluence of socio-economic, geopolitical, and technological factors, contributing to a nuanced and complex narrative. Within India, the patterns of internal migration have undergone substantial alterations, with a notable shift from traditional agrarian-centric movements to a more diversified spectrum of opportunities in urban centers. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the services sector have played pivotal roles in steering this transition. Simultaneously, the external dimensions of labor migration have experienced noteworthy changes, reflecting a globalized economy. The demand for skilled and unskilled labor in foreign countries, coupled with policy adjustments both domestically and internationally, has led to a surge in the number of Indians seeking employment abroad. Additionally, advancements in communication and transportation have facilitated a more connected world, influencing the decision-making processes of prospective migrants. This essay delves into the multifaceted shifts in labor migration trends within and outside India, exploring the driving forces behind these changes and their implications on the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
Tag: Salient Features of Indian Society.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to start by explaining migration with some data.
- In Body, discuss
- Various types of migration.
- The changes in the trends.
- Reasons behind labor migration.
- Conclude the answer with some government initiatives to address the issue.
Answer:
Migration refers to the movement of organisms like animals and birds in geographical space. There are several factors, which induce people to migrate. The reasons may be economic, social, or political. When people migrate within the same country it is called internal migration. When migration involves crossing the boundaries of a given country, it is called international migration.
As per the Census, India had 45.6 crore migrants in 2011 (38% of the population) compared to 31.5 crore migrants in 2001 (31% of the population). Between 2001 and 2011, while the population grew by 18%, the number of migrants increased by 45%. In 2011, 99% of total migration was internal and immigrants (international migrants) comprised 1%.
The trend of migration within India:
- Inter-State Migration (East to West Migration): The migration from the eastern part of the country which includes UP, Bihar, Orissa, West Bengal or North Eastern states, etc. to the western part which includes Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Punjab, or Haryana, etc. is almost a regular phenomenon from the last four decades.
- Initially, Maharashtra and Gujarat along with Kolkata were the only favourite destinations; but after the destruction of industries in Kolkata during the rule of communists, the green revolution, industrial growth, and peace established in Punjab or Delhi area; Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana became the major destination for migrants.
- Short-term or temporary migration increased at a rapid pace in the last few decades in different areas due to agriculture after the green revolution, the construction sector especially after the boost of real estate, etc.
- In the last four decades, the female migration rate has surpassed the male migration rate in both rural and urban areas.
The trend in Migration outside India:
- West or Developed Countries: However international migration from India to developed countries like the US, UK, or Canada have continued unabated for a long time but the rate of migrants has substantially increased after a period of globalization. Also considerable numbers of Indians are immigrating permanently to these industrialized nations rather than temporarily.
- Middle East: After an increase in oil prices in 1973-74, the Gulf region attracts a significant proportion of migrants from India, especially semi-skilled and unskilled labour. Initially, Saudi Arabia and UAE were major destinations as accounted for more than 60% of migrant workers from India but after the 1990s migrant workers significantly declined in Saudi Arabia but continually unabated in UAE. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, AP, and Punjab mainly account for out-migration to Middle East Asia.
- One of the striking trends with the unskilled/semi-skilled emigration from India in recent years is the phenomenal increase in the numbers migrating to Malaysia.
- Estimates of the number of international migrants by sex show that the volume of international migrants has been nearly equal for both men and women.
Cause of Migration:
- The National Commission on Rural Labour, focusing on seasonal migration, concluded that uneven development was the main cause of seasonal migration.
- Along with interregional disparity, disparity between different socio-economic classes and the development policy adopted since independence has accelerated the process of seasonal migration. Most migration literature makes a distinction between ‘pull’ and ‘push’ factors, which do not operate in isolation of one another.
- Mobility occurs when workers in source areas lack suitable options for employment/livelihood, and there is some expectation of improvement in circumstances through migration.
- Between 1971 and 1991, the migration rate declined both for males and females. But we find an increase in such rate in the last decade of the 90s. The reason for such a trend is the rapid development and expansion of the informal sector which absorbed a large number of workers from the rural areas. This implies laborers were casualized.
The government has taken several policies to improve migrant labors conditions such as:
- Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme
- Janani Suraksha Yojana
- Janashree Bima Yojana
- Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana
- Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
- National Scheme for Welfare of Fishermen and Training and Extension
- Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana
- Health Insurance Scheme
- Garib Kalyan Rozgar Yojana
These programs have helped tremendously in addressing the migration issue and uplifting people from poverty. However, to effect a significant change, the policies need to continue with a much-improved efficacy.
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