What is Inter-State Migration?
Historical Background
Key Points
15 points- 1.
Inter-state migration is primarily driven by economic factors, with people seeking better employment opportunities and higher wages in other states.
- 2.
Social factors such as marriage, education, and family reunification also contribute to inter-state migration.
- 3.
States with higher economic growth and industrialization tend to attract more migrants, while states with lower development levels often experience out-migration.
- 4.
The construction, manufacturing, and service sectors are major employers of inter-state migrants.
- 5.
Migrant workers often face challenges such as low wages, poor working conditions, lack of social security benefits, and discrimination.
- 6.
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 aims to protect the rights and welfare of inter-state migrant workers. This law regulates the employment and working conditions of migrant laborers.
- 7.
The Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act, 2008 provides for social security benefits to unorganized workers, including migrant workers. This act aims to provide basic social security to workers in the informal sector.
- 8.
The National Food Security Act, 2013 ensures access to subsidized food grains for eligible households, including migrant families. This act provides subsidized food to the poor.
- 9.
The One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme allows migrant workers to access ration benefits from any fair price shop across the country. This scheme allows migrants to get ration anywhere in India.
- 10.
Data on inter-state migration is collected through the Census of India and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). These organizations collect data on migration patterns.
- 11.
Remittances sent by migrant workers to their families back home contribute significantly to the economies of their home states. Money sent home by migrants helps their families.
- 12.
Inter-state migration can lead to cultural exchange and integration, but also to social tensions and conflicts in some cases.
- 13.
The impact of inter-state migration on the environment, such as increased urbanization and resource depletion, needs to be addressed.
- 14.
Some states have implemented policies to attract skilled migrants and promote economic development.
- 15.
Lack of portability of social security benefits and identity documents remains a major challenge for inter-state migrants.
Visual Insights
Evolution of Inter-State Migration in India
Timeline of key events and policies related to inter-state migration in India.
Inter-state migration has been a continuous process in India, driven by economic disparities and social factors. The legal and policy framework has evolved over time to address the challenges faced by migrant workers.
- 1947Constitution of India guarantees freedom of movement.
- 1960s-70sGreen Revolution spurs migration from eastern to northern states.
- 1979Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act enacted.
- 1991Economic liberalization accelerates migration to urban centers.
- 2008Unorganized Workers' Social Security Act enacted.
- 2013National Food Security Act enacted.
- 2020COVID-19 pandemic leads to large-scale reverse migration.
- 2020Labour Codes passed by Parliament.
- 2021e-Shram portal launched to create a national database of unorganized workers.
- 2026Abhishek Banerjee meets family of migrant worker killed in Pune, highlighting ongoing challenges.
Inter-State Migration: Key Aspects
Mind map showing the key aspects of inter-state migration, including causes, challenges, and legal framework.
Inter-State Migration
- ●Causes
- ●Challenges
- ●Legal Framework
- ●Recent Developments
Recent Developments
10 developmentsThe COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a large-scale reverse migration of workers from urban to rural areas, highlighting the vulnerability of migrant workers.
The government launched the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan in 2020 to provide employment opportunities to returning migrant workers in rural areas. This scheme aimed to provide jobs to migrants who returned home.
Increased focus on the portability of social security benefits and identity documents for migrant workers.
Discussions on the need for a national migration policy to address the challenges and opportunities associated with inter-state migration.
Several states have launched initiatives to register and track migrant workers to improve their access to social welfare schemes.
The e-Shram portal was launched in 2021 to create a national database of unorganized workers, including migrant workers. This portal helps register unorganized workers.
The Supreme Court has issued several directives to protect the rights of migrant workers during the pandemic.
The Labour Codes passed by the Parliament in 2020 aim to consolidate and simplify labor laws, including those related to migrant workers. These codes simplify labor laws.
Growing awareness of the need to address the social and economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers.
Increased use of technology to provide information and services to migrant workers.
This Concept in News
1 topicsFrequently Asked Questions
121. What is inter-state migration and what are its primary drivers?
Inter-state migration refers to the movement of people from one state to another within the same country. The primary drivers include economic factors such as better job opportunities and higher wages, as well as social factors like marriage, education, and family reunification.
Exam Tip
Remember the push and pull factors: 'Push' factors drive people away from their home state, while 'pull' factors attract them to another state.
2. What are the key provisions related to inter-state migration according to the Constitution of India?
The Constitution of India guarantees the right to move freely throughout the territory of India under Article 19(1)(d). This provision ensures that citizens can migrate from one state to another without restrictions.
Exam Tip
Focus on Article 19(1)(d) which directly relates to the freedom of movement. Remember this in relation to inter-state migration.
3. What are the major challenges faced by inter-state migrant workers in India?
Migrant workers often face challenges such as low wages, poor working conditions, lack of social security benefits, and discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their vulnerability, leading to large-scale reverse migration.
Exam Tip
Consider the socio-economic vulnerabilities of migrant workers when answering questions related to social justice and inclusive growth.
4. How has inter-state migration evolved in India since independence?
After independence in 1947, the Constitution guaranteed freedom of movement, leading to increased migration. The Green Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s spurred migration from eastern to northern states for agricultural work. Economic liberalization in 1991 further accelerated migration due to industrial growth.
Exam Tip
Relate the historical evolution of migration to major economic and policy changes in India.
5. How does inter-state migration work in practice?
In practice, inter-state migration involves individuals or families moving from one state to another, often seeking employment in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and services. This movement is influenced by economic disparities and opportunities available in different states.
Exam Tip
Consider the practical aspects such as the sectors employing migrants and the economic factors driving their movement.
6. What is the significance of inter-state migration in the Indian economy?
Inter-state migration contributes to economic growth by providing labor to growing industries in receiving states. It also helps in reducing poverty in sending states through remittances. However, it can create challenges such as pressure on resources and social integration.
Exam Tip
Understand the dual impact of migration: benefits for receiving states and potential challenges for both sending and receiving states.
7. What are the different types of inter-state migration?
Inter-state migration can be categorized based on various factors: 1) Economic migration (for employment), 2) Social migration (marriage, family), 3) Distress migration (due to natural disasters).
Exam Tip
Categorizing migration helps in understanding the diverse motivations behind it and tailoring policies accordingly.
8. What are the limitations of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979?
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 aims to protect migrant workers. However, enforcement is often weak, and many workers remain outside its purview due to issues with registration and implementation.
Exam Tip
Focus on the implementation challenges and loopholes in existing legislation when discussing the limitations.
9. What are the challenges in the implementation of policies related to inter-state migration?
Challenges include: 1) Lack of coordination between sending and receiving states, 2) Difficulty in identifying and registering migrant workers, 3) Inadequate enforcement of labor laws, 4) Limited portability of social security benefits.
- •Lack of coordination between sending and receiving states
- •Difficulty in identifying and registering migrant workers
- •Inadequate enforcement of labor laws
- •Limited portability of social security benefits
Exam Tip
Address the administrative, legal, and social challenges in policy implementation.
10. What reforms have been suggested to improve the conditions of inter-state migrant workers?
Suggested reforms include: 1) Strengthening the legal framework to protect migrant workers' rights, 2) Improving coordination between states, 3) Enhancing portability of social security benefits, 4) Promoting financial inclusion and access to basic services.
- •Strengthening the legal framework to protect migrant workers' rights
- •Improving coordination between states
- •Enhancing portability of social security benefits
- •Promoting financial inclusion and access to basic services
Exam Tip
Focus on actionable and practical reforms that can be implemented at the policy level.
11. How does India's approach to inter-state migration compare with other countries?
India's approach is unique due to its federal structure and large internal migration flows. Compared to countries with stricter border controls, India has relatively free movement within its borders. However, social security and labor protections for migrants are often weaker compared to developed nations.
Exam Tip
Highlight the unique aspects of India's internal migration context and compare its policies with those of countries with similar challenges.
12. What is the future of inter-state migration in India, considering recent developments?
The future of inter-state migration in India will likely see increased focus on the portability of social security benefits and identity documents for migrant workers. The government's initiatives to provide employment opportunities in rural areas may also influence migration patterns. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for better protection and support for migrant workers.
Exam Tip
Consider the long-term implications of recent events and policy changes on migration patterns and the well-being of migrant workers.
Source Topic
Abhishek Banerjee Meets Family of Migrant Worker Killed in Pune
Social IssuesUPSC Relevance
Inter-state migration is important for UPSC exams, especially in GS Paper 1 (Social Issues, Geography), GS Paper 2 (Governance, Social Justice), and GS Paper 3 (Economy). It is frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains. Questions can focus on the causes and consequences of migration, the challenges faced by migrant workers, government policies related to migration, and the impact of migration on economic development.
In Prelims, expect factual questions about relevant Acts and schemes. In Mains, analytical questions are common. Recent years have seen questions on the impact of COVID-19 on migration and the effectiveness of government interventions.
For essay writing, migration can be a relevant topic under social justice or economic development. When answering, focus on providing a balanced perspective, highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of migration.