28-December-2024-Editorial

EAC-PM REPORT ON DOMESTIC MIGRATION

The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has released a report titled “400 million Dreams!” which highlights a 12% decrease in domestic migration in India since 2011. The report indicates that this shift is due to the improvement in local economic conditions, better infrastructure, and increased opportunities in areas that were traditionally major sources of migration.

Key Highlights of the EAC-PM Report

Reduction in Migration

• The number of domestic migrants in India has decreased by 12% since 2011.
• In 2023, the number of migrants stood at 40.2 crore, down from 45.58 crore in 2011, showing a decline of 11.78%.
• The migration rate (percentage of people moving in and out) has fallen from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023, indicating a slower migration trend.

Migration Trends and Dynamics

• Migrant-Receiving States: West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have seen the highest growth in attracting migrants.
• States with Decreasing Migration: Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a reduction in their share of total migrant inflow.
• Urban Areas as Key Destinations: Major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata remain the main destinations for migrants.
• Top Districts for Migration: Mumbai, Bengaluru Urban, and Howrah are among the top districts attracting migrants.

Emerging Migration Corridors

Key migration routes include:

• Uttar Pradesh to Delhi
• Gujarat to Maharashtra
• Telangana to Andhra Pradesh
• Bihar to Delhi

Seasonal Migration Patterns

• Migration tends to peak during April to June, with secondary spikes in November-December, likely due to festivals and weddings.
• January sees the lowest migration levels, suggesting a seasonal nature to domestic migration.

Reasons for Declining Migration

Improved Local Economic Opportunities

• Initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) have provided better access to credit and financial support, encouraging local entrepreneurship.
• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has improved rural infrastructure, making rural areas more accessible and livable.
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has enhanced healthcare services, improving the quality of life in rural regions.
• Digital India has facilitated better connectivity, education, and job opportunities in traditionally high-migration areas, reducing the need for migration to cities.

Implications of Reduced Domestic Migration

Economic Implications

• Labor Shortages: Certain industries that rely heavily on migrant workers may face labor shortages, leading to wage hikes but potentially reducing competitiveness.
• Income Inequality: With improved local economic conditions, smaller towns and rural areas may experience reduced income inequality between urban and rural regions.
• Boost to Local Economies: As workers stay in their home regions, there is likely to be an increase in local economic activity and job creation.

Social Implications

• Increased Demand for Local Services: With fewer people migrating to urban centers, there will be a higher demand for education, healthcare, and infrastructure in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Limited Access to Urban Opportunities: Reduced migration limits the access of rural workers to better employment opportunities and services available in urban centers.
• Gender Impact: Women, who traditionally stay behind when male family members migrate, may face prolonged economic dependence if migration opportunities decrease.

Demographic Implications

• Slower Urbanization: The reduction in migration to cities may slow down urbanization, impacting the economic dynamism of metropolitan areas.
• Population Growth in Metro Cities: A decline in migration to metro cities may lead to slower population growth, potentially affecting the consumer base and overall economic activities.

Policy and Governance Implications

• Urban Pressure Eased: Lower migration rates could reduce pressures on urban areas, such as overcrowding, housing shortages, and strained public services.
• National Employment Schemes: Programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) might need to be scaled up to address the employment needs of people who no longer migrate.
• Agricultural Sustainability: Staying in rural areas may increase pressure on local land and water resources, potentially leading to unsustainable agricultural practices.

India’s Initiatives for Migrant Welfare

• PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi): Provides financial support and loans to street vendors to help them grow their businesses.
• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM): A pension scheme targeted at workers in the unorganised sector, providing them with financial security post-retirement.
• Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): A welfare scheme aimed at providing financial support to low-income families, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): A system that allows migrant workers to access subsidized food grains from any ration shop across the country.
• Mera Ration App: An app designed to help migrants find their entitlements under the Public Distribution System (PDS), ensuring they can access food grains wherever they are.

About the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)

Role and Function

• The EAC-PM is an independent body that advises the Prime Minister on economic issues and provides input on macroeconomic matters.
• Its role is advisory and non-binding, working to support the government in addressing economic challenges and fostering public understanding of economic policies.

Administrative Support

• The NITI Aayog provides administrative and logistical support to the EAC-PM, ensuring its smooth functioning and effective delivery of reports.

Conclusion

The reduction in domestic migration, as highlighted in the EAC-PM report, signifies shifting socio-economic dynamics in India. The decline in migration reflects better local economic conditions, improved infrastructure, and social services in rural and semi-urban areas. While this shift brings economic benefits to local communities, it also creates challenges in urban areas, requiring thoughtful policy responses to balance development and manage regional disparities effectively.