Internal Migration in India: Declining Trends & Emerging Challenges

• The domestic migration in India is slowing and the overall number of migrants in the country has reduced by 11.78% as compared to the census 2011, said the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) in its latest report.

Internal Migration Trends in India

• Domestic Migration: Decreased by 11.78%, from 45.57 crore in 2011 to 40.20 crore in 2023.
• Migration Rate: Reduced from 37.64% in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023, indicating a slowdown.
• Rising States: West Bengal, Rajasthan and Karnataka have seen an increase in migrant arrivals.
• Declining States: Maharashtra & AP have experienced a reduction in their share of migrants.
• Top Districts: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Howrah, Central Delhi, and Hyderabad attract migrants most.

Reasons for Slowdown in Migration

• Economic Growth in Smaller Cities: Improved infrastructure, healthcare, education and job opportunities in smaller cities have reduced the need for migration to major urban centres.
• Better Local Services: Enhanced local economies and services like connectivity and education in traditional migration source areas have decreased the dependence on larger cities.
• Government Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Ayushman Bharat and Digital India are driving local economic growth.

Implications of Reduced Migration

• Labour Shortages: Key industries relying on migrant workers may face workforce shortages.
• Higher Costs: Labour shortages could drive up wages and production costs.
• Boost to Local Economies: Local economies may grow as workers stay in their home regions, aiding rural and semi-urban development.
• Demand for Local Services: Greater need for education, healthcare & infrastructure in rural areas.
• Urbanisation Slowdown: Reduced migration may slow urbanisation, affecting city economies.
• Pressure on Rural Resources: Overburdening may lead to unsustainable agricultural practices.

Government Initiatives Supporting Migration and Economic Growth

• PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi): Providing financial support to street vendors.
• PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM): Offering pension schemes for informal sector workers.
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): Ensuring food security for migrants nationwide.
• Mera Ration App: Facilitating access to public distribution systems for migrants.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Local Economies: Expand rural and semi-urban infrastructure, industry clusters, and digital connectivity to create sustainable livelihoods.
• Targeted Labour Policies: Introduce flexible labour mobility frameworks and skill development programmes to address sectoral shortages without forcing migration.
• Comprehensive Migration Data: Establish a real-time national migration tracking system for informed policymaking.
• Social Security Portability: Strengthen schemes like ONORC, PMSYM, and Mera Ration App to ensure uninterrupted benefits for mobile workers.
• Balanced Urban-Rural Growth: Integrate urban planning with rural development to avoid overburdening either ecosystem.

The slowdown in domestic migration reflects growing opportunities in smaller cities but also signals potential labour gaps in urban industries. A balanced approach combining local economic strengthening, worker mobility, and social protection can drive inclusive, regionally balanced growth.

Reference: Indian Express

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – Migration

1. [UPSC 2015] Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 289

Q. How does the lack of a uniform national policy on internal migration affect the welfare of migrant workers in India? Discuss the steps needed to create an effective framework. (150 Words) (10 Marks)

Approach

• Introduction: Write a contextual introduction by mentioning current facts on internal migration.
• Body: Write the impact of the lack of a uniform national policy & suggest step for a practical framework.
• Conclusion: Emphasises the necessity of a national policy on internal migration to safeguard migrant workers and foster inclusive growth.