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The number of domestic migrants is estimated to have lowered by 12% since 2011: EAC-PM

Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Poverty & Development Issues

Why in the News?

A report by the PM’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM) indicates that the number of domestic migrants has decreased by approximately 12%, reaching 40.20 crore since 2011 census.

Internal/Domestic migration refers to the movement of people within a country from one region to another.

  • Reasons for Push factors: Lack of job opportunities, natural disaster, lack of quality education and healthcare facilities, etc.
  • Reasons for Pull factors: Economic opportunities, higher standard of living, peace and stability, etc.

What is Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM)?

  • The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) is an independent advisory body established to provide economic insights and recommendations to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.
  • The term “independent advisory body” refers to a group that provides expert advice and recommendations without being subject to direct control or influence from the government or any political entity. The Prime Minister of India has the authority to appoint the members of the EAC-PM.

What are the key findings of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Panel (EAC-PM) report?

  • Decline in Domestic Migrants: The number of domestic migrants in India is estimated to have decreased by approximately 12% from 45.57 crore in 2011 to 40.20 crore in 2023, indicating a shift in migration trends and possibly improved local opportunities.
  • Migration Rate and Dynamics: The migration rate has dropped from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to an estimated 28.88% in 2023, reflecting a significant change in the dynamics of internal migration.
    • Short-distance migration is predominant, with distance negatively affecting labor mobility.
    • Migration originates primarily from areas around major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
  • Major Migration areas: UP-Delhi, Gujarat-Maharashtra, Telangana-AP, Bihar-Delhi (state level).
  • Data Sources: The report utilized high-frequency data from various sources, including the Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System, mobile phone roaming data, and district-level banking data, to analyze migration patterns.
  • Changing Migration Patterns: The report highlights that states like West Bengal and Rajasthan have emerged as significant destinations for migrants, while states like Andhra Pradesh and Bihar have seen a decline in their rankings as migrant sources.

What are the reasons for the decline in migrant numbers?

  • Improved Local Opportunities: The decline in domestic migration is hypothesized to be due to enhanced economic opportunities and services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity available in or near major sources of migration. This suggests that individuals may be finding sufficient opportunities locally rather than migrating.
  • Short-Distance Migration Dominance: The report indicates that short-distance migrations account for a significant share of overall migration, suggesting that individuals prefer to migrate within closer proximities rather than long distances.

What are the present steps taken for the welfare of Domestic Migrants in India?

  • Social Security Programs: The Indian government has established various welfare schemes aimed at providing social security to migrant workers. Notable among these are:
    • Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM): This scheme offers a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month to unorganized sector workers, including migrants, upon reaching the age of 60.
    • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This initiative provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh for secondary and tertiary healthcare, benefiting millions, including migrant workers.
    • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): Extended for five years from January 2024, this scheme ensures food security through free food grains and cash transfers to families below the poverty line, including migrants.
  • Housing Initiatives:
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): This scheme aims to provide affordable housing to low-income groups, including migrants, through various subsidies and housing projects.
    • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): Launched under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, this initiative seeks to provide rental housing for migrant workers and urban poor.
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): This scheme allows migrant workers to access subsidized food across the country using their existing ration cards, ensuring food security regardless of their location.

What are the existing challenges related to migrant workers in India? 

  • Economic Insecurity: Migrant workers are often employed in low-wage, unstable jobs, and their dependence on remittances makes them vulnerable to financial hardship during economic downturns.
  • Poor Living and Working Conditions: Migrants often live in overcrowded, inadequate housing with limited access to basic services, and face unsafe, exploitative working conditions, especially in foreign countries.
  • Legal and Social Challenges: Many migrants lack proper legal recognition and identification, hindering access to social security and leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and social discrimination.
  • Urban Overload: Rapid migration strains urban infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and pressure on public services in cities, affecting migrants’ living conditions.

Way forward: 

  • Enhance Local Economic Development: To further reduce the need for long-distance migration, focus on creating more job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and expanding social services in migration-origin regions.
  • Strengthen Migrant Welfare Programs: Ensure better implementation and outreach of existing welfare schemes, such as healthcare, housing, and food security, to protect migrant workers’ rights and well-being across all regions.

Mains PYQ:

Q Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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