Relevance: GS2,SEC2

Introduction

Migration in India—especially rural to urban—serves as a critical engine for economic mobility. However, the Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted internal and international migration, reversing trends, exposing vulnerabilities, and underscoring the need for robust migration governance.

Impact of Covid-19 on Internal Migration

• The pandemic triggered reverse migration on an unprecedented scale. Estimated:
  • 44.1 million people returned to rural areas during the first wave.
  • 26.3 million during the second wave.
• Migrants, primarily low-wage, informal, seasonal, and short-term workers, faced:
  • Food insecurity, job losses, housing exclusion.
  • Stigma, lack of healthcare, and bureaucratic exclusion.
• Economic stress led many to rely on remittances or rural employment schemes like MGNREGA.

Current Scenario of Migration Recovery

• After five years, most migrants have returned to urban centers.
• Urban economies are rebounding and reabsorbing informal workers.
• Yet, structural issues persist:
  • Lack of updated migration data.
  • Exclusion from welfare schemes at destination.
  • Continued insecurity in housing, healthcare, and jobs.

Emerging Trends in Migration

1. Internal Migration
   • Significant inter-state flows from Bihar, UP, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh to urban centers.
   • e-Shram portal created in 2021 for unorganised workers, but coverage gaps remain.
   • Migration is rising again for sectors like construction, textiles, security, logistics.
2. International Migration
   • Remittances remain crucial to Indian economy (approx. $111 billion in 2022).
   • Migration to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries remains strong.
   • Rising migration to Europe, Russia, and East Asia due to new job corridors.
   • Significant outmigration from Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

Challenges in Migration Governance

• Lack of comprehensive national migration policy.
• Poor data collection: Census 2021 delayed; e-Shram database is fragmented.
• Exclusion from social protection:
  • Limited portability of ration cards and benefits.
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) rollout remains inconsistent.
• Gaps in skilling and pre-departure orientation for emigrants.
• Vulnerability to climate displacement, especially in Odisha, Jharkhand, and coastal regions.

Policy Responses and Suggestions

1. Improve data systems:
   • Integrate e-Shram, Census, NSSO, and state-level databases.
2. Strengthen portability of benefits:
   • Universalise ONORC, link health, housing, and education to migrant ID.
3. Skilling and Employability:
   • Expand schemes like PM Vishwakarma and Skill India tailored to migrant needs.
4. Support international migrants:
   • Build institutional support at origin and destination.
   • Strengthen bilateral migration frameworks.
5. Establish Migration Support Centres:
   • Especially in major urban centers and vulnerable districts.
6. Climate adaptation and displacement management:
   • Integrate migration into climate resilience planning.

Conclusion

Migration remains a vital aspect of India’s economic and social fabric. Post-Covid, the focus must shift from crisis-driven responses to institutionalised, rights-based, and inclusive migration governance. Addressing data gaps, ensuring portability of entitlements, and integrating climate and labour policies are key to ensuring that migration is a choice, not compulsion.

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