Internal Migration in India

Syllabus: GS1/Migration

Context

• In India, internal migration plays a crucial role in shaping both urban and rural economies. 

Migration in India

• Close to 85% of the migration has been within the state. 
• According to NSSO surveys, rural-urban migration is the most dominant form of migration and comprises 25.2% of all internal migration in India, followed by urban-urban (22.9%), urban-rural (17.5%), and rural-rural (4.4%). 
• According to the Migration in India (2020-21) survey, 29% of Indians are migrants, which is nearly 400 million. 
• Slow Urbanisation Rate: Economists have pointed out that urbanisation rate in India is lower than in most countries.
  • According to World Bank data, 35% of Indians lived in cities as of 2021 as compared to 63% in China and 43% in lower-middle-income countries. 
  • India’s slower urbanisation rate suggests limited internal mobility, despite urban economic growth.

Who are Migrants?

• The Census defines two types of migrants in India – migration by place of birth and migration by last residence. 
  • A migrant by the last residence is one who resides at a place different from the place of enumeration continuously for at least six months prior to the migration.
• Between 1991 and 2011, the share of migrants in rural India increased from 26.1% to 32.5%.
  • while in urban India, the same increased from 32.3% to 48.4%. 
• Reasons:
  • Migration for marriage has been one of the most important reasons for migration and most of these migrants are generally women. 
  • The trend for migration for work or employment reflects that such migrants are mostly youth, indicating the role of the demographic dividend. 
  • It is also segmented on caste, tribe, religious, and regional identities. 

Nature of Internal Migration in India 

• Rural to Urban Movement: The most common form, driven by the search for better employment, education, and living standards in cities.
• Economic Factors: Migration for better job opportunities, particularly in agriculture, industry, and construction.
• Seasonal and Temporary Migration: Movement of labor during peak agricultural seasons or temporary employment opportunities.
• Interstate and Intrastate Migration: People migrate within and between states, seeking better opportunities or living conditions.
• Return Migration: Migration back to the place of origin due to family reasons, economic changes, or better opportunities at home.
• Natural Disasters and Displacement: Migration due to calamities like floods, droughts, or earthquakes.
• Educational and Marital Migration: Students moving for higher education and individuals migrating for marriage.

Internal Migration in India Faces Several Challenges: 

• Economic Issues: Migrants often end up in low-paying, unskilled jobs with poor working conditions and are vulnerable to exploitation.
• Poor Living Conditions: Many migrants live in overcrowded slums with limited access to basic services like healthcare, water, and sanitation.
• Social Exclusion: Migrants face discrimination and cultural barriers, hindering their social integration.
• Legal Challenges: Migrants often lack proper identification, which limits their access to social security and government schemes.
• Strain on Urban Infrastructure: Rapid urban migration puts pressure on housing, transportation, and resources in cities.
• Impact on Rural Areas: Rural areas face depopulation, labor shortages, and economic decline due to out-migration.

Government Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): This life insurance scheme offers Rs. 2 lakh to the family of a migrant worker in the event of their death.
• PM SVANidhi Scheme: It provides street vendors, including migrant workers, with microloans up to Rs. 10,000 to help them restart or expand their businesses.
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM): The PM-SYM pension scheme is available to workers aged 18-40, providing a monthly pension of Rs. 3000 once they turn 60. 
• eShram Portal: A One-Stop Solution: It was launched by Ministry of Labour & Employment in 2021, and more than 30 crore workers have already registered themselves on eShram in a span of 3 years.
  • It is launched to simplify the registration process for unorganised workers and facilitate their access to government welfare schemes.
• One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) Scheme: This scheme allows migrants to access food grains and subsidies from the Public Distribution System (PDS) from any ration shop in the country, regardless of their place of origin.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This initiative aims to provide affordable housing for the urban poor, including migrant workers, through subsidies and financial support.

Way Ahead

• Improve Skill Development: Expand skill training programs to enhance the employability of migrants.
• Social Security and Welfare: Strengthen social security schemes for migrants, such as healthcare, housing, and insurance, ensuring they are portable across states.
• Enhanced Legal Protection: Establish a national registry for migrant workers to ensure they are recognized and have access to legal protections, fair wages, and workplace rights.
• Promote Rural Development: Create job opportunities and improve infrastructure in rural areas to reduce the pressure of rural-to-urban migration.

Source: IE