Inter-state migration in India: A study of reasons and consequences of inter-state migration

Abstract

Inter-state migration in India exists in India since the British rule, spurred by the deindustrialization process due to the inflow of cheap British cotton. As per the Economic Survey of India 2016-17, the inter-state migrant population stand at about 60 million, with an annual inter-state mobility of 5-6 million as opposed to the 3.3 million number suggested by the Census. This pace is also increasing, almost doubling from the last decade. Based on the duration of stay at the destination, migration patterns can be broadly classified into the following 3 types: (1) • Seasonal migration (spells of a few months): These migrants search for a job year after year and stay in it for six months or more. However, they return to their homes and participate in seasonal economic activity there. Their work is split in, one third in the Construction sector, a fifth in agricultural and a sixth in manufacturing. These live under informal contracts since there is no permanent job. • Permanent migration: This is the form of migration where the workers, usually from the relatively upper classes move with their families to make a new life. • Semi-permanent migration: Most of Indian migration lies in the middle of these two extremes. Here, millions of people move from their villages to other places for a couple of years, usually their peak working years. They go back when they age and die usually in their homes. They do not intend to permanently settle in this new destination. For the scope of this report we shall concentrate on this semi-permanent inter-state labor movement. Mostly concentrating on the rural to urban movement for medium or semi-skilled work and the process of migration, including the role of hiring agencies.