{"id":5156,"date":"2026-01-04T11:36:07","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T06:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/?p=5156"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:58:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T05:28:59","slug":"migration-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/migration-in-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Migration in India"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><strong>What is migration?\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>Migration is the\u00a0<strong>movement of people<\/strong>\u00a0away from their usual place of residence, either\u00a0<strong>internal<\/strong>\u00a0(within the country) or\u00a0<strong>international<\/strong>\u00a0(across countries) borders.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>One important facet of the\u00a0<strong>study on population<\/strong>\u00a0is the migration arising out of various social, economic, or political reasons.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>For a large country like India, the study of the movement of the population in different parts of the country helps in understanding the\u00a0<strong>dynamics of the society<\/strong>\u00a0better.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What are the various forms and patterns of Migration?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>People may move within a country between different states or between different districts of the same state, or they may move between different countries.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Internal migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to migration from one place to another within a country, while\u00a0<strong>external migration<\/strong>\u00a0or international migration refers to migration from one country to another. Internal migrant flows can be classified based on origin and destination. There is\u00a0<strong>rural-urban migration,<\/strong>\u00a0also there is\u00a0<strong>intra-state<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>inter-state migration.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Forced migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to migration that is not chosen by the individual or family but is forced upon them by factors such as war, persecution, or natural disasters.\u00a0<strong>Voluntary migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to migration that is chosen by the individual or family, driven by factors such as better economic opportunities or a desire for a better life.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Temporary migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to migration that is intended to be of short duration, such as seasonal or temporary work.\u00a0<strong>Permanent migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to migration that is intended to be of long duration, intending to settle permanently in a new place.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Reverse migration<\/strong>\u00a0refers to the migration of individuals or families who have previously migrated, back to their country of origin or their original place of residence.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What are the reasons for Migration?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>The important factors which cause migration or which motivate people to move may broadly be classified into four categories: economic factors, demographic factors, socio-cultural factors, and political factors.<\/p>\r\n<h3><strong>Economic Factors:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>In most developing countries, low\u00a0<strong>agricultural income, agricultural\u00a0<\/strong><strong>unemployment and underemployment<\/strong>\u00a0are the major factors pushing the migrants towards areas with greater job opportunities.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Push factors<\/strong>: Adverse economic conditions caused by poverty, low productivity,\u00a0<strong>unemployment<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>exhaustion<\/strong>\u00a0of natural\u00a0<strong>resources<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Pull factors:<\/strong>\u00a0Pull factors refer to those factors which attract the migrants to an area, such as opportunities for better\u00a0<strong>employment<\/strong>, higher\u00a0<strong>wages<\/strong>, better\u00a0<strong>working conditions<\/strong>\u00a0and better amenities of life, etc.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Push-back factors<\/strong>: The urban labor force is sizable, and the\u00a0<strong>urban unemployment<\/strong>\u00a0rates are high, and there also exist pools of underemployed persons. All these factors act in combination as\u00a0<strong>deterrents<\/strong>\u00a0to the fresh flow of migration from rural to urban areas.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Socio-cultural Factors:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>Migration can also be driven by social factors such as marriage, family reunification, or the desire to be closer to one's community or social network.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Marriage<\/strong>: Marriage is the main reason for migration among women in India.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Caste<\/strong>: Caste-based discrimination and marginalization, and violence against certain groups can also lead to migration.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Religion<\/strong>: Religious persecution or discrimination can also cause individuals to migrate.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Cultural factors<\/strong>: Migration can also be driven by cultural factors such as the desire to preserve one's cultural identity or to be closer to one's cultural community.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Political factors<\/strong>:<\/h3>\r\n<p>Migration can also be driven by political factors such as persecution, war, or political instability.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Political instability:<\/strong>\u00a0Conflicts, war, or other forms of political instability can force individuals to migrate in search of safety and security.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Persecution<\/strong>: Migration can also be driven by persecution or discrimination based on factors such as religion, ethnicity, or political views.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Separatist movements<\/strong>: Migration can also be driven by separatist movements or ethnic conflicts, where individuals or groups may feel compelled to leave their homes to escape violence or persecution.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Government policies and administrative actions<\/strong>: Government policies and administrative actions that lead to displacement or loss of livelihoods can affect migration.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>For instance, in our country, the adoption of the jobs for\u00a0<strong>\u2018sons of the soil policy\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0by the State governments will certainly affect migration from other states.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Environmental factors:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Natural disasters<\/strong><strong>:<\/strong>\u00a0Droughts, floods, landslides, and other natural disasters can displace individuals and force them to migrate for food, water, and shelter.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Climate change<\/strong>: Rising sea levels, increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and other impacts of climate change can lead to the loss of homes and livelihoods, forcing people to migrate.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Deforestation and land degradation:<\/strong>\u00a0Deforestation and land degradation can lead to the loss of livelihoods, particularly for those dependent on agriculture, forestry, and pastoralism, forcing them to migrate.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Water scarcity:\u00a0<\/strong>Shortages of water due to climate change, overuse, and pollution, can lead to loss of livelihoods and force people to migrate.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Displacement by development projects:\u00a0<\/strong>Large-scale development projects such as dams, mines, and industrial projects can displace people from their homes and force them to migrate.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What does the Census say about the migration trends in India?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>The latest government data on migration comes from the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/understanding-secc-2011-and-indias-caste-census-landscape\/\" target=\"_blank\">2011 Census<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>India had\u00a0<strong>45.6<\/strong>\u00a0crore migrants in\u00a0<strong>2011<\/strong>\u00a0(38% of the population).<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Between 2001 and 2011, while the population grew by 18%, the number of migrants increased by 45%.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>99%<\/strong>\u00a0of total migration was internal, and immigrants (international migrants) comprised 1%.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>There were\u00a0<strong>21 crore rural-rural migrants,<\/strong>\u00a0which formed 54% of classifiable internal migration.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Intra-state movement<\/strong>\u00a0accounted for almost\u00a0<strong>88% of all internal migration.<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Bihar<\/strong>\u00a0were the largest sources of inter-state migrants, while Maharashtra and Delhi were the largest receiver states.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Majority (<strong>70%<\/strong>) of intra-state migration was due to reasons of\u00a0<strong>marriage<\/strong>\u00a0and family.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What are the outcomes of migration?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>Migration in India can have a variety of consequences, both\u00a0<strong>positive<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>negative<\/strong>, depending on the context and the specific characteristics of the migration.<\/p>\r\n<h3><strong>Economic Consequences:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>A major benefit for the source region is the remittance sent by migrants.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Remittances<\/strong>\u00a0from international migrants are one of the major sources of foreign exchange.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\u00a0Availability of labor can increase\u00a0<strong>productivity<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Also, unregulated migration to the metropolitan cities of India has caused overcrowding and the\u00a0<strong>development of slums<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Demographic Consequences:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>Migration leads to the redistribution of the population within a country.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Age and skill-selective migration from the rural area have adverse effects on the rural demographic structure.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Out-migration of rural men is also leading to the\u00a0<strong>feminization of agriculture<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Social Consequences:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>Migrants act as agents of social change. The new ideas related to new technologies, family planning, girls\u2019 education, etc., get diffused from urban to rural areas through them.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Migration leads to intermixing of people from diverse cultures and leads to the evolution of a\u00a0<strong>composite culture.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\r\n\t<li>But it also has serious negative consequences like a sense of\u00a0<strong>dejection<\/strong>\u00a0among the migrants.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3><strong>Environmental Consequences:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<p>The environmental consequences of migration in India can be significant and varied.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Migration can lead to the\u00a0<strong>loss of biodiversity<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>Deforestation<\/strong>\u00a0as people clear land for agriculture, overuse natural resources, and introduce new invasive species.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Migration can increase water scarcity as people overuse water resources and pollute water sources.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What are the challenges faced by migrants, especially migrant workers?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>People migrating for work face key challenges including<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li>Lack of\u00a0<strong>social security<\/strong>\u00a0and health benefits and poor implementation of minimum safety standards law.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Lack of portability of state-provided benefits, especially food provided through the <a href=\"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/smart-pds-system\/#:~:text=and%20Public%20Distribution-,Q1%3AWhat%20isthe%20PDS%20system%3F,society%20at%20very%20cheap%20prices.&amp;text=%E2%86%92%20UPSC%20Mains%20Question%20Paper,%2C%20GS%201%20%26%20GS%202.\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>public distribution system<\/strong><\/a> (PDS).<\/li>\r\n\t<li>\u00a0Lack of access to affordable housing and basic amenities in urban areas.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Effect of COVID-19- Concerns faced by such migrant workers relate to food, shelter, healthcare, fear of getting infected or spreading the infection, loss of wages, concerns about the family, anxiety, and fear.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><strong>What are the various measures taken by the government for the welfare of the migrants?<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>The Indian government has implemented various measures to address the welfare of migrants in the country. Some key measures include<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>Code on Social Security<\/strong>: The code provides certain benefits for inter-state migrant workers such as Insurance and provident fund.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>One Nation-One Ration Card:\u00a0<\/strong>It has given households benefiting from the Public Distribution System (PDS) more choice and flexibility to choose which Fair Price Shop (FPS) they can get their rations from.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Draft National Policy on Migrant Workers by NITI Aayog:\u00a0<\/strong>NITI Aayog\u2019s draft national migrant policy takes a\u00a0<strong>rights-based approach<\/strong>\u00a0and discusses the importance of collective action to help migrants bargain for better conditions.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Remote voting:\u00a0<\/strong>The Election Commission plans to pilot a Multi-Constituency\u00a0<strong>Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM)<\/strong>\u00a0to facilitate the participation of domestic migrants from their remote locations for voting for their home constituencies.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Relief measures during the COVID-19<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n\t<li><strong>E-SHRAM Portal<\/strong>\u00a0for creating a database of migrant workers.<\/li>\r\n\t<li>Distribution of food under\u00a0<strong>Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Affordable rental housing complexes (ARHCs)<\/strong>\u00a0scheme aimed at providing housing at an affordable rent to migrants near their workplace.<\/li>\r\n\t<li><strong>Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan (GKRA)<\/strong>\u00a0provides employment to returnee migrants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in\u00a0<strong>116<\/strong>\u00a0selected districts across\u00a0<strong>six<\/strong>\u00a0states.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 150px\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px\">\r\n<td class=\"tb-color\" style=\"width: 50%;text-align: center;height: 25px\" colspan=\"2\"><strong>Other Related 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another.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":17616,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[173],"tags":[328,40],"class_list":{"0":"post-5156","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-quest-level-3","8":"tag-migration-in-india","9":"tag-quest"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5156","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5156"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5156\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19756,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5156\/revisions\/19756"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17616"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5156"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5156"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/upsc-exam\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5156"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}