Migration matters in India - UPSC

Migration plays a crucial role in shaping India’s social and economic landscape. Millions of people move from rural areas to cities in search of better jobs, education, and living conditions, making migration a key driver of urbanization. This movement of people helps fill labor gaps in growing industries, contributes to the economy, and brings diverse cultures together. However, migration also comes with challenges like overcrowding in cities, pressure on infrastructure, and the struggle for migrants to find stable housing and jobs. Despite these challenges, migration remains an essential part of India’s development story, influencing everything from the workforce to cultural diversity.

Tags: GS – 1, Salient Features of Indian Society– Population and Associated Issues– Social Empowerment– Diversity of India– Types of Resources

Prelims: World Migration Report, internal migration, International Organization for Migration, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, Human Migration, Migration in India Report 2020-21

Mains: Importance of Migration, Obstacles to Migration, need for a Policy Centred on Migration.

Table of Contents

Context:

According to the latest US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, an all-time high of 5,152 undocumented Indians entered the US from Canada on foot this June alone.
The latest World Migration Report by the International Organization for Migration highlights that migration from India to the UAE, US, and Saudi Arabia is among the top 10 global migration corridors.
India’s net migration rate in 2024 is projected to be -0.323 per 1,000 people, which is a 1.82% decline from 2023.
According to Henley & Partners, approximately 4,300 Indian millionaires are expected to leave India in 2024. This is a lower number than the 5,100 millionaires who left in 2023.

What is Migration?

Migration refers to the relocation of individuals from their usual place of residence, which can be either within a country (internal migration) or across international borders (international migration).
Studying migration, driven by social, economic, or political factors, is crucial for understanding population dynamics.
In a large country like India, examining population movement across various regions provides valuable insights into societal changes and trends.

What are the Various Forms and Patterns of Migration?

Internal Migration: Movement within a country, including:
Rural-Urban Migration: Relocating from rural areas to urban centres.
Intra-State Migration: Moving within the same state.
Inter-State Migration: Moving between different states.
External Migration: Movement between different countries.
Forced Migration: Relocation due to factors like war, persecution, or natural disasters, which compels individuals or families to move.
Voluntary Migration: Relocation driven by personal choice, often for better economic opportunities or improved living conditions.
Temporary Migration: Short-term relocation, such as for seasonal or temporary work.
Permanent Migration: Long-term relocation with the intention to settle permanently.
Reverse Migration: Returning to the original place of residence after having previously migrated.

Different Statistics on Migration in India:

Migration in India Report 2020-21:
- From July 2020 to June 2021, 0.7% of the population were temporary visitors.
- The all-India migration rate was 28.9%, with rural at 26.5% and urban at 34.9%.
- Female migration rate was 47.9% (48% rural, 47.8% urban), while male migration rate was 10.7% (5.9% rural, 22.5% urban).
- 86.8% of female migrants moved for marriage; 49.6% of male migrants migrated for employment.
2011 Census:
- India had about 45.36 crore internal migrants, making up 37% of the population.
- Annual net migrant flows were about 1% of the working-age population; workforce was estimated at 48.2 crores, exceeding 50 crores by 2016.
Report of the Working Group on Migration, 2017:
- 17 districts, primarily in Uttar Pradesh (10), Bihar (6), and Odisha (1), contributed to the top 25% of India’s total male out-migration.

What are the Reasons for Migration?

Economic Factors:
- Push Factors: Negative conditions like poverty, low productivity, and unemployment in the area of origin.
- Pull Factors: Attractive conditions such as better job opportunities, higher wages, and improved living standards in the destination.
- Push-Back Factors: High urban unemployment and underemployment can discourage further migration from rural to urban areas.
Socio-Cultural Factors:
- Marriage: A significant reason for migration among women in India.
- Caste: Migration can occur due to discrimination and marginalisation based on caste.
- Religion: Religious persecution or discrimination can drive migration.
- Cultural Factors: Desire to maintain cultural identity or be near cultural communities can influence migration.
Political Factors:
- Political Instability: Conflicts, wars, or political instability can force individuals to migrate for safety.
- Persecution: Migration due to persecution based on religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
- Separatist Movements: Ethnic conflicts or separatist movements can lead to migration to escape violence or persecution.
- Government Policies: Policies such as ‘jobs for sons of the soil’ can impact migration patterns.
Environmental Factors:
- Natural Disasters: Events like floods, droughts, and landslides can displace people and prompt migration.
- Climate Change: Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and other climate impacts can force people to migrate due to loss of homes and livelihoods.
- Deforestation and Land Degradation: Environmental degradation affecting agriculture and livelihoods can lead to migration.
- Water Scarcity: Shortages of water from climate change, overuse, or pollution can force migration.
- Development Projects: Large-scale projects such as dams, mines, and industrial activities can displace communities.

What Does the Census Say About Migration Trends in India?

Total Migrants: 45.6 crore, representing 38% of the population.
Growth: From 2001 to 2011, the number of migrants increased by 45%, while the overall population grew by 18%.
Migration Type: 99% of migration was internal, with international migrants constituting 1%.
Rural-Rural Migration: 21 crore migrants, accounting for 54% of internal migration.
Intra-State Migration: Nearly 88% of internal migration occurred within states.
Sources and Receivers: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are major sources of inter-state migrants, while Maharashtra and Delhi are key destinations.
Primary Reasons: 70% of intra-state migration was due to marriage and family reasons.

What are the Outcomes of Migration?

Economic Consequences:
- Remittances: International remittances are a vital source of foreign exchange and contribute to the economic stability of the sending regions.
- Increased Productivity: The availability of labour in destination areas can boost productivity and economic growth.
- Urban Challenges: Unregulated migration to metropolitan areas can lead to overcrowding, strain on infrastructure, and the growth of informal settlements or slums, creating challenges for urban management and planning.
Demographic Consequences:
- Population Redistribution: Migration results in the reallocation of the population across different regions, influencing local demographics.
- Adverse Effects on Rural Areas: Age and skill-selective migration from rural areas can negatively impact the demographic structure, leading to a decline in the working-age population and affecting agricultural productivity.
- Feminization of Agriculture: Out-migration of rural men often leads to a feminization of agriculture, as women increasingly take on agricultural responsibilities.
Social Consequences:
- Agents of Social Change: Migrants introduce new ideas and practices, such as advancements in technology, family planning, and girls’ education, from urban to rural areas, promoting social development.
- Cultural Intermixing: Migration fosters cultural exchange and the blending of diverse cultural practices, contributing to the development of a composite culture.
- Negative Social Impacts: Migrants may experience a sense of isolation or dejection, particularly when adjusting to new environments and facing socio-economic challenges.
Environmental Consequences:
- Biodiversity Loss and Deforestation: Migration can lead to environmental degradation as land is cleared for agriculture, natural resources are overexploited, and invasive species are introduced, resulting in biodiversity loss and deforestation.
- Water Scarcity: Increased migration can exacerbate water scarcity due to overuse and pollution of water resources, impacting the availability of clean water for local populations.

Challenges Associated with Migration in India:

Inadequate Social Security and Health Benefits: Migrant workers often lack social security and healthcare. For example, 53% of non-agricultural workers, including migrants, are without social security benefits, leading to unsafe working conditions.
Limited Portability of State-provided Benefits: Migrants face difficulties accessing state benefits like subsidised food due to residency requirements, making it hard for them to get essential supplies.
Scarcity of Affordable Housing and Basic Amenities: Urban migrants struggle with finding affordable housing and basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation, contributing to poverty.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic worsened conditions for migrants, with many facing income loss and lack of essential services during lockdowns.
Exploitation and Discrimination: Migrant workers often face exploitation, wage theft, and discrimination, with notable incidents of violence, such as the 2008 attacks on migrants in Maharashtra.

What are the Various Measures Taken by the Government for the Welfare of Migrants?

Code on Social Security: Provides insurance and provident fund benefits for inter-state migrant workers, enhancing their social security.
One Nation-One Ration Card: Allows migrants to access PDS rations from any Fair Price Shop across the country, ensuring continued food supply.
Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers by NITI Aayog: Proposes a rights-based approach to improve working conditions and protections for migrants through collective action.
Remote Voting: Plans to introduce Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs) to enable domestic migrants to vote from remote locations.
Relief Measures During COVID-19:
- E-SHRAM Portal: Creates a database of migrant workers for better benefit delivery.
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna: Distributes food to support migrants during the pandemic.
- Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs): Provides affordable housing near workplaces for migrants.
- Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (GKRA): Offers employment to returnee migrants in selected districts across six states.

UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ

Mains

Q:1 Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.(2015)

Source: IE

FAQs

Q: What is migration in the context of India?

Answer: Migration in India refers to the movement of people from one place to another, often from rural areas to cities, in search of better job opportunities, education, or living conditions. It can be within the country (domestic migration) or to other countries (international migration).

Q: Why do people migrate within India?

Answer: People migrate within India primarily for better job prospects, education, or to improve their living standards. Often, people from rural areas move to cities where there are more opportunities in industries like construction, services, and manufacturing.

Q: How does migration impact the cities in India?

Answer: Migration can lead to rapid urbanization, which puts pressure on city infrastructure, housing, and public services. While it brings economic benefits by providing a labor force for various industries, it can also lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion, and challenges in delivering essential services.

Q: What challenges do migrants face in India?

Answer: Migrants often face challenges like inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare and education, job insecurity, and discrimination. They may also struggle with language barriers and the lack of social support in new environments.

Q: How does migration affect rural areas in India?

Answer: Migration from rural areas can lead to a reduction in the working-age population, which might impact agricultural productivity. However, remittances sent back by migrants can help improve the living standards of families left behind and support local economies.

To get free counseling/support on UPSC preparation from expert mentors please call 9773890604

Join our Main Telegram Channel and access PYQs, Current Affairs and UPSC Guidance for free – Edukemy for IAS
Learn Economy for free- Economy for UPSC
Learn CSAT – CSAT for UPSC
Mains Answer Writing Practice-Mains Answer Writing
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here

Migration matters in India – UPSC – Edukemy