Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges

Source: The post Understanding Internal Migration Trends and Challenges has been created, based on the article “Migration: A dream or a nightmare?” published in “Business Standard” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- Society-population and associated issues, poverty and

developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

Context: The article discusses internal migration in India, highlighting its historical roots, challenges, and trends. It emphasizes the need for better urban planning, data monitoring, and policies to support migrants, viewing migration as crucial for economic growth and national integration.

For detailed information on Internal Migration in India and associated challenges read this article here

What is the Historical Background of Internal Migration in India?

Internal migration has been a longstanding feature of India’s history.

1. In the 19th century, Marwaris from Rajasthan became prominent businessmen in eastern India.
2. Marathas migrated as warriors to northwestern and southern regions.
3. Bengalis, Tamils, and Telugus moved for employment under the East India Company and British rule.
4. Such migration patterns highlight India’s historical movement of people across regions for trade, war, and jobs.

How Has Internal Migration Changed Recently?

1. Internal migration has accelerated due to economic growth, education, and a youth-dominated population.
2. The COVID-19 lockdown exposed its scale, with migrant workers walking home due to transportation issues.
3. From 2011 to 2023, internal migrants decreased from 456 million (37.6% of the population) to 402 million (28.9%), as reported in 400 Million Dreams.
4. India’s annual inter-state migration (9 million) is lower compared to China’s 77 million and the US’s 7.9 million (2021), despite its larger population.

What Challenges Do Migrants Face?

1. Urban Infrastructure Issues: Migrants face challenges with accommodation, water supply, sewerage, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
2. Psychological Impact: Moving from villages to chaotic urban centers causes emotional stress and difficulties in adjusting.
3. Urban Planning: Unplanned cities worsen the migrant experience, highlighting the need for better policies.

Why is Migration Important?

1. Migration helps balance economic growth across regions, improves labor market efficiency, and promotes national integration.
2. Encouraging migration to better-planned cities is crucial for improving living standards and achieving collective goals.

How does India compare with other countries?

1. India vs China: From 2011 to 2016, only 9 million people migrated annually between Indian states, while 77 million Chinese workers migrated to different provinces in 2016. China’s migration rate is significantly higher.
2. India vs USA: In 2021, 7.9 million people moved between states in the US (population 340 million), comparable to India’s 9 million migrants annually despite India’s population being over four times larger.
3. Global Migration Context: In 2005, 12% of the global population (763 million people) lived outside their birth regions, highlighting India’s slower migration compared to global trends.

Question of practice:

Discuss the historical trends, recent changes, and challenges of internal migration in India, and compare it with global migration patterns.