Domestic Migration in India: Key Insights from EAC-PM Report + Banking_SBI_PO?.ToString()?? Banking_SBI_PO?.ToString()+" Current Affairs";

Key Context
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released a report titled "400 Million Dreams!" analyzing migration trends in India.
The report indicates that domestic migration has reduced by 11.78% compared to Census 2011 data.
Highlights of the Report
1. Decline in Migrant Population:
The total number of migrants in India as of 2023 is estimated to be 40.20 crore, down from 45.57 crore in Census 2011.
The migration rate has reduced from 37.64% (Census 2011) to 28.88% of the population.
2. Methodology:
The report used innovative datasets for estimating migration trends:
Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS): Data on passenger volumes.
TRAI Roaming Data: Movement patterns from mobile subscribers.
District-Level Banking Data: Analysis of remittance flows.
The findings provide general trends but lack the comprehensive accuracy of decennial Census data.
3. Reasons for Reduced Migration:
Improved economic opportunities in smaller cities and towns.
Enhanced availability of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and connectivity in or near major source regions of migration.
4. Changing Migration Patterns:
Top Origin Districts: Valsad, Chittoor, Paschim Bardhaman, Agra, Guntur, Villupuram, and Saharsa.
Top Recipient States: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Rajasthan.
West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have shown significant growth in attracting migrants, while Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a decline.
5. Seasonal Migration Trends:
Peak Movement Periods: April-June (high season) and November-December (secondary high season).
Seasonal migration aligns with agriculture cycles and festivals, indicating labor mobility.
6. Impact of COVID-19:
Migration patterns showed signs of slowing even before the pandemic.
Post-pandemic, passenger movement during peak months (April-May) remains below pre-pandemic levels, with May 2023 levels 6.67% lower than May 2012.
Challenges Highlighted:
1. Data Limitations:
Lack of regular and comprehensive data for tracking migration trends.
Household surveys and periodic Census data are insufficient for dynamic migration analysis.
2. Urban Stress:
Declining migration to urban areas reduces pressure on cities but highlights the need for better urban planning to accommodate existing migrants.
Implications for Policy and Governance:
1. Improved Rural Opportunities:
Enhanced focus on rural development to retain the population and reduce distress-driven migration.
Government schemes like MGNREGA, Skill India, and rural industrialization play a critical role.
2. Urban Infrastructure:
Investment in urban housing, sanitation, and social services to improve the living conditions of existing migrants.
3. Real-Time Monitoring:
Use of technology like TRAI data for dynamic tracking of migration trends and seasonal movements.
4. Migration Research and Policy Formulation:
Studies like MoSPI’s Migration in India 2020-21 and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation’s report on migration provide additional insights for targeted policy-making.
Conclusion:
The EAC-PM report highlights a critical shift in migration patterns in India, driven by improving rural infrastructure and opportunities. While the reduction in migration alleviates urban stress, it also calls for strategic planning to ensure balanced regional development and sustained economic growth. These findings are pivotal for shaping future policies on migration and urban-rural dynamics.