Migration in India and the impact of the lockdown on migrants
Distilled Policy Brief
- As per the 2011 Census, India had 45.6 crore migrants, accounting for 38% of the population, with internal migration constituting 99% of the total.
- Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were the largest source states for inter-state migrants in 2011, while Maharashtra and Delhi were the largest receiver states.
- Migrant workers face key challenges such as lack of social security, non-portability of state-provided benefits like the PDS, and poor implementation of the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
According to Census 2011, India had 45.6 crore migrants (38% of the population), where intra-state movement accounted for 88% of all internal migration and rural-rural was the largest classification.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the structural vulnerabilities faced by internal migrant workers in India, highlighting issues of social security, portability of welfare benefits, and legal implementation gaps under the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to migration in India based on the 2011 Census, consider the following statements: 1. Internal migration constituted nearly 99% of the total migration in the country. 2. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were the largest receiver states for inter-state migrants, whereas Maharashtra and Delhi were the largest source states. 3. Intra-state movement accounted for a significantly smaller share of internal migration compared to inter-state movement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 1 and 2 only
- [C] 2 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
As per the 2011 Census, internal migration constituted 99% of the total migration in India, making statement 1 correct. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were the largest source states (not receiver states) for inter-state migrants, while Maharashtra and Delhi were the largest receiver states, making statement 2 incorrect. Furthermore, intra-state movement accounted for almost 88% of all internal migration, which is substantially larger than inter-state movement, making statement 3 incorrect.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.