Explore the key findings from the Migration Survey in India (2020-21), highlighting major corridors, economic and marriage-related reasons, and the top host states and districts. Learn about the dynamics of internal and external movements across India.
The recently released Migration Survey in India (2020-21) sheds light on the dynamics of internal and external movement within the country. Published in “The Hindu” on 19 August 2024, this survey provides valuable insights into patterns, economic drivers, and social implications of people relocating across different regions. Here’s a detailed overview of the key findings and what they signify.
Why is This News Important?
The Migration Survey 2020-21 offers a snapshot of trends and challenges faced by movers across India. It highlights the major corridors, reasons for moving, and the demographic distribution, reflecting changes and continuities in patterns over time.
Key Findings from the Migration Survey 2020-21
Largest Group of Movers
- Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) to Maharashtra: The largest group of external movers originated from Uttar Pradesh and moved to Maharashtra. This corridor reflects significant labor and economic movement.
Top Host States for External Movers
Maharashtra: Hosted the highest share of external movers, demonstrating its role as a major economic hub.
Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal: Followed Maharashtra in hosting external movers, indicating their roles in both sending and receiving populations.
Major Contributor States
Uttar Pradesh: The leading contributor of movers, reflecting its high population density and economic migration pressures.
Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Bihar: Also significant contributors, showcasing a broad pattern across various regions.
Significant Corridors
U.P. to Maharashtra: The most notable route for external movers.
Gulf Countries to Kerala: Reflects the impact of international movement and remittances.
U.P. to Delhi: Another significant route, highlighting urban relocation trends.
Economic Movement
Approximately 22% of movers relocated for economic reasons, including better job opportunities and business prospects.
Major economic flows were from U.P. to Maharashtra, U.P. to Delhi, and Bihar to West Bengal, reflecting economic opportunities in these regions.
Marriage as a Major Reason
68.2% of all relocations were attributed to marriage, indicating its dominant role in internal movement.
Major marriage-related routes included U.P. to Maharashtra, Bihar to Jharkhand, and Madhya Pradesh to U.P.
Top Hosting Districts
Suburban Mumbai: Hosted the highest number of movers, highlighting its status as a major destination.
Pune and Thane: Followed Mumbai in hosting significant populations.
Understanding Relocation
Relocation refers to the movement of people from their usual place of residence, which can be internal (within the country) or international (across borders).
Internal Relocation: Movement within the country, driven by factors such as employment opportunities, education, and marriage.
International Relocation: Movement across countries, involving immigration and emigration.
Constitutional Provisions:
Article 19: Guarantees the right to relocate within the country for work, as a fundamental right.
Seventh Schedule of the Constitution: Interstate relocation is managed by the central government under the Union List.
Causes of Internal Relocation in India
Urbanization:
Rural-urban relocation is a prominent feature of urban transition, influenced by wage differences and employment opportunities.
Increased demand for labor and better wages in urban areas drive movement from rural regions.
Economic Opportunities:
- Urban areas offer better job prospects and living standards, attracting movers from less developed regions.
Social Factors:
- Marriage and family reunification also contribute significantly to internal relocation patterns.
The Migration Survey 2020-21 provides crucial insights into the landscape of relocations in India, highlighting major corridors, reasons, and regional dynamics. Understanding these patterns is essential for addressing the challenges faced by movers and planning for better integration and support mechanisms. The survey underscores the ongoing trends in economic and social relocation, reflecting broader changes in India’s demographic and economic landscape.
The revisions reduce the density of the word “migration” by replacing it with synonyms or rephrasing certain sections.
