An Empirical Study of Causes, Concerns and Impacts of Migration in India: A Development Perspective and Implications

Migration is not a new phenomenon; nor is it a failure of or a substitute for development in the present times. In normal conditions, human migration has taken place owing to the lack of social and economic opportunities at the place where one resides. Hence people start moving to those centers where they can meet their needs and overcome miseries. This empirical research study is necessitated to understand the implications of migration within country, interstate, inter-district and the social, political and economic impacts and to know how the society and state respond to the ever-growing process of migration; to understand the policies and overall preparedness of governments. The states of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are identified as historically migrants originating areas. The village and city with a considerable concentration of migrated population were selected within the systematic criteria through random sampling. The present study was carried out to examine the causes of migration in these four states; to find out the strata tending to migrate; to find out the impacts of migration in these four states, and to analyze opportunities for migrant workers and opportunities which exist for migrants of other states. An assessment of the impact of migration was done using the parameters that included, increase in their total monthly income, increase in the number of family assets, working hours per day, overall living conditions, and status of women. There were more options for monthly income source as well as assets after migration at the destination place. An overall 59.1 per cent of respondents revealed an improvement in their living conditions after migration. A deeper inquiry into the reasons for such a positive impact of migration on their living conditions was attributed to-savings at the destination place, improved agricultural situation at origin place, better availability of work at destination place at relatively regular basis, assured monthly income, better food and clothing at destination place, and better wages and livelihood options. In light of this, it was observed and stated by the migrants as well that economic factors are the most important ones accountable for out-migration and unemployment of the most important push factor. Changes in standard of living transpired due to higher income, expenditure and investments, new pucca houses and more possessions of assets were also reported. Above all, a higher contentment level was perceived for resource use, autonomy in decision and gain in material assets and possessions.