What is Internal Migration?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Internal migration is driven by factors like poverty, lack of opportunities in rural areas, and the pull of better jobs and education in urban centers.
- 2.
It can be classified into different types, such as rural-to-urban, rural-to-rural, urban-to-urban, and urban-to-rural migration. Rural-to-urban is the most common type in India.
- 3.
Key stakeholders include migrants themselves, their families, employers in destination areas, and government agencies responsible for planning and development.
- 4.
According to the 2011 Census, India had over 450 million internal migrants. This number is likely higher now.
- 5.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Internal Migration in India
This timeline illustrates the key events and policies that have shaped internal migration in India over the years.
Internal migration in India has evolved from agricultural-driven movements to economic opportunity-driven urban migration. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the vulnerabilities of migrant workers and the need for better policies.
- 1947Independence of India: Initial migration due to partition and resettlement.
- 1950s-60sGreen Revolution: Increased agricultural labor migration within rural areas.
- 1979Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act: Aimed to regulate employment and conditions of service for migrant workers.
- 1991Economic Liberalization: Boosted urban migration due to new job opportunities in cities.
- 20112011 Census: Recorded over 450 million internal migrants in India.
- 2020COVID-19 Pandemic: Large-scale reverse migration from cities to rural areas.
- 2020One Nation One Ration Card Scheme: Launched to improve food security for migrant workers.
Recent Real-World Examples
2 examplesIllustrated in 2 real-world examples from Feb 2024 to Feb 2026
Source Topic
Bengal CM Condemns Pune Migrant Worker Death as 'Hate Crime'
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is internal migration and what are its main drivers?
Internal migration refers to the movement of people within the borders of a country. The main drivers include the search for better economic opportunities, education, and improved living conditions. People often move from rural areas to urban centers seeking employment and a higher standard of living.
Exam Tip
Remember the push and pull factors: 'push' factors drive people away from their origin, while 'pull' factors attract them to new locations.
2. What are the different types of internal migration?
Internal migration can be classified into several types based on the origin and destination of the migrants. The most common types are rural-to-urban, rural-to-rural, urban-to-urban, and urban-to-rural migration. In India, rural-to-urban migration is the most prevalent.
Exam Tip
Focus on rural-to-urban migration as it's the most significant type in the Indian context for UPSC.
