Migration in India: status, prospects and Challenge
GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Geography/ Indian Society
Source: BS
Context: Migration is a crucial aspect of economic diplomacy, particularly in Asia where India’s growth is expected to lead global expansion. This growth will drive significant migration to cities, necessitating a focus on urban development.
About Migration in India:
| Topic | Description |
| About Migration | The International Organization for Migrationdefines a migrant as any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from his/her habitual place of residence. |
| Factors Determining Migration | Migration can beeither voluntary or forced movementsas a consequence of the increased magnitude or frequency of disasters, economic challenges, extreme poverty, or conflict situations. |
| Push Factors | Push factorscompel a person to leave their place of origin(out-migration) and migrate to another place. These factors can include economic reasons, social reasons, Pandemics and lack of development in a particular place. |
| Pull Factors | Pull factorsattract migrants (in-migration) to a destination area. These factors can include job opportunities, better living conditions, and the availability of basic or high-level facilities. |
| Migration – 2011 Census | Number of internal migrants (both inter-state and within state) in India: over45 crores (37%of the country’s population) |
| Migration – Economic Survey 2016-17 | Relatively less developed states(e.g., Bihar and Uttar Pradesh): High net out-migration |
| Relatively more developed states (e.g., Goa, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka): Reflect net immigration | |
| Largest recipient region: Delhi (accounted for more than half of migration in 2015-16);Uttar Pradesh and Bihar combined: Account for half of the total out-migrants | |
| Migration in India Report 2020-21 | Female migration is more than male migration.Reasons for female migration: Marriage Reasons for male migration: Search for employment |
| Migration and its Impacts on Cities | According to a report bythe World Economic Forum, smaller cities are rapidly growing but struggling to cope with infrastructure demands due to declining civic revenue resources. |
| 2024World Migration Report | India hosts the largest population of international migrants worldwide, totalling 18 million, predominantly in countries like the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia. |
| Furthermore, in 2022,India emerged as the foremost recipient of remittances,surpassing the significant milestone of receiving over USD 111 billion, indicative of its substantial role in the global migrant workforce and economy. |
Circular Migration in India:
In India,internal migrationhas often been circular, particularly from rural to urban areas, driven byindustrialization and job opportunitiesin the manufacturing, construction, and services sectors. Inter-state migration is prevalent, with states likeWest Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar experiencing high out-migration rates. Circular migrants benefit frombetter-paying jobs, remittances, and improved household welfare. However,they may face challenges, such as exploitation, language barriers, and seasonal job insecurity.
Reasons for Migration to Smaller Cities in the IT/ITeS Sector:
| Reasons | Example |
| Remote and hybrid work models | Companies like Cognizant allowed employees to work from anywhere (during the pandemic), leading to a shift away from major cities. |
| Companies canestablish satellite officesin smaller cities, supporting remote and hybrid work models. | |
| Cost savings | Moving to smaller cities allowscompaniestoreduce real estate costs and investmore in people and R&D. |
| Employeescan save more in terms of rental costs and experience social benefits in smaller towns. | |
| Rich talent pool | Smaller cities have untapped talent with a potential talent drain to larger metros, providing opportunities. |
| Higher retention rates | Employeesprefer to stay in their hometowns, leading to higher retention rates in smaller cities. |
| Availability of office space and amenities | Smaller cities like Coimbatore offer quality office spaces with amenities at lower costs compared to metros. |
| Rise of co-working spaces in smaller cities | Co-working spacesprovide access to high-quality office space at a fraction of the cost in larger cities. |
| Counter-magnet dynamics | Surat and Punehave started acting as a counter-magnet region to Mumbai and attract migrants from the neighbouring districts of Maharashtra |
Impact of Migration:
Positive:
- Economic Growth: Fills labour gaps, boosts productivity, and generates remittances.
- Social Impact: Spreads ideas, enriches culture, and improves quality of life.
- Innovation: Introduces new skills and technologies, fostering entrepreneurship.
- Labour Market Flexibility: Balances supply and demand, especially in skilled sectors.
Negative:
- Demographic Impact: Contributes to urban growth, affecting rural areas and agriculture.
- Environmental Impact: Strains infrastructure, leading to unplanned urban growth and pollution.
- Social Tensions: Creates competition for resources, housing, and services, fostering cultural clashes and family disruption.
Challenges of Migration in India:
- Inadequate Social Security: Lack of access to healthcare and safety standards exposes migrants to unsafe conditions.
- Limited Benefit Portability: Difficulty accessing state-provided benefits like food supplies through PDS due to residency requirements.
- Housing and Amenities: Migrants struggle to find affordable housing and basic facilities in urban areas.
- Exploitation: Migrants face exploitation, wage theft, and discrimination in the labour market.
- Discrimination: Instances of violence and discrimination against migrants, notably in Maharashtra in 2008.
Government Initiatives on Migration:
- Draft National Migrant Labour Policy: Prepared by NITI Aayog, emphasizes collective action for better migrant conditions.
- One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): Expanded project for migrant welfare.
- Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) and PM Garib Kalyan Yojna: Introduced to provide housing solutions.
- e-Shram Portal: Launched to enhance migrant status and facilitate better access to benefits.
- Code on Social Security: Provides insurance and provident fund benefits for inter-state migrant workers.
International Migration and Global Action:
- United Nations General Assembly: Convened high-level meetings to address refugee and migrant movements.
- New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants: Commitment to protect the safety, dignity, and human rights of migrants.
- Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration: Adopted to ensure safe and regulated migration.
- International Migrants Day: Celebrated annually on December 8th.
The way forward and Conclusion:
To tackle the challenges of migration, comprehensive measures need to be implemented. Firstly, there should be a focus on providing basic amenities and social security measures to migrants, regardless of their migration status. Integration and inclusion of migrants into society are crucial to fostering social cohesion and minimizing discrimination. Investing in rural skill development and job creation can reduce the necessity for migration by enhancing employability. Governments should also develop counter-magnet cities by investing in infrastructure and amenities to promote balanced regional development and alleviate pressure on major urban hubs. National surveys must gather more information on the socio-economic conditions of migrants post-migration, as current data is lacking.
Furthermore, labour market policies must safeguard the rights of migrant workers, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits through strict enforcement of labour laws.
Additionally, there is a dearth of time-use data for migrants, particularly unemployed female migrants, which could greatly enhance our understanding of their circ*mstances. To address this, there needs to be a shift towards collecting more female-specific data, shedding light on their challenges and prompting informed policy decisions.
Insta Links:
Human Migration
Mains Links:
What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India?( UPSC 2021)
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.( UPSC 2015)
/ 14 May 2024, Migration in India: status, prospects and Challenge, Today's Article
Geomagnetic Storms
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LiveScience
Context: Stunning aurora displays illuminated the night sky during the strongest G-5 level geomagnetic storm in 21 years, producing green and blue hues across the Northern Hemisphere.
What are Geomagnetic storms?
They occur when events like solar flares emit higher-than-normal levels of radiation toward Earth, interacting with its magnetic field. These disturbances, driven by solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) or high-speed streams of solar wind from coronal holes, lead to geomagnetic storms.
Effects of such storms range from the appearance of auroras to disruptions in communication systems due to high radiation, making communication on Earth challenging.
These storms are classified on a scale measuring their effects. At G1, there are weak fluctuations in power grids and minor impacts on satellite operations, with auroras visible. At G5, voltage control problems and grid system collapse occur, radio waves are disrupted for days, and auroras can be seen at lower latitudes.
/ 14 May 2024, Geomagnetic storms, Today's Article
Measles Vaccine
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: ET
Context: A recent study revealed that nearly 12% of eligible children in India missed out on the recommended double-dose measles vaccination, indicating a significant gap in immunization coverage.
Researchers analyzed data from over 43,000 children aged 2-3 years collected through the National Family Health Survey 2019-21. They found that northeastern states had the highest share of zero-dose cases, with Nagaland at 26% and Tamil Nadu at 4.6%. About 30% of eligible children received only one measles-containing vaccine (MCV1), while 60% were fully immunized (MCV2).
About Measles:
It is a highly contagious viral respiratory illness (caused by a single-stranded RNA virus) characterized by symptoms like high fever, cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, and rash. It is caused by the measles virus, which affects humans as its only natural host. The Measles Rubella (MR) vaccine has been included in India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017. Rubella virus infection typically leads to a mild fever and rash.
Recently, Indiahas been honoured with theprestigious Measles and Rubella Champion AwardbyTheMeasles and RubellaPartnershipat theAmerican Red Cross HeadquartersinWashington D.C., USA.
/ 14 May 2024, Measles Vaccine, Today's Article
Ultra-processed foods (UPF)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A 30-year U.S. observational study links higher consumption of most ultra-processed foods to a slightly elevated risk of death, particularly from neurodegenerative causes. Ready-to-eat meat, sugary drinks, dairy desserts, and highly processed breakfast foods showed the strongest associations.
What is Ultra-processed foods (UPF)?
UPFs are heavily processed foods with additives, high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS), and low in essential nutrients. Their increased consumption poses various health risks.
In India, efforts to curb UPF consumption include revised dietary guidelines, the Eat Right India Campaign by FSSAI, limits on trans fatty acids, and taxation on aerated beverages and HFSS foods.
/ 14 May 2024, Today's Article, Ultra-processed foods (UPF)
Hot test of a liquid rocket engine
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: ISRO achieved a milestone by conducting a successful hot test of a liquid rocket engine created using Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology, commonly known as 3D printing.
The engine tested belongs to the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the upper stage (PS1) of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The same engine is used in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV. The test took place at ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This advancement saves 97% of raw materials and reduces production time by 60%. The new manufacturing process requires only about 13 kg of metal powder compared to 565 kg of forgings and sheets used in conventional manufacturing.
What is a Hot test?
A hot test is a procedure conducted to evaluate the performance and functionality of a system or component under operational conditions, typically involving exposure to high temperatures or other extreme conditions.
About 3D printing:
It builds a three-dimensional object layer by layer from a digital model, contrasting with traditional subtractive manufacturing. Materials used in AM include thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, and biomaterials.
MeitY released the “National Strategy for Additive Manufacturing” in 2022, with initiatives such as establishing a 3D printing lab at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Aurangabad. Additionally, the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing was established in 2023 by MeitY in collaboration with the Government of Telangana.
/ 14 May 2024, Hot test of a liquid rocket engine, Today's Article
Roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Researchers at Princeton University discovered that the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, commonly known as C. elegans, exhibits an intriguing behaviour where offspring inherit the knowledge of avoiding disease-causing bacteria consumed by their parents.
This transgenerational transmission of learned behaviour extends up to four generations and is facilitated by small RNA molecules produced by the bacteria. Specifically, when C. elegans ingests the disease-causing bacterium Pseudomonas vranovensis, it also absorbs small RNA molecules from the bacterium, altering its feeding behaviour to avoid consuming it in the future. This avoidance behaviour is then inherited by subsequent generations of worms, providing them with innate protection against harmful bacteria.
sRNA, a type of non-coding RNA (ncRNA), typically consists of 20 to 200 nucleotides and does not encode proteins. Instead, sRNA molecules interact with proteins and other RNAs, modulating the expression of various genes in the organism.
/ 14 May 2024, Roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, sRNA, Today's Article
Armoured sailfin catfish (ASC)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) scientists discovered that the armoured sailfin catfish has infiltrated 60% of Eastern Ghats water bodies, causing damage to fishing nets and the ecosystem.
Abut Armoured sailfin catfish (ASC), also known as Rakashi or devil fish:
It was initially brought to India for its distinctive appearance and algae-cleaning abilities but has since multiplied significantly. Native to South America, it belongs to the largest catfish family.
Scientists employed the Environmental DNA (eDNA) approach to track the invasive species’ spread. eDNA refers to organismal DNA released into the environment via cellular material shed by organisms. This method, unlike conventional approaches, is reliable, accurate, and cost-effective. Invasive species, as defined by the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), pose a threat to wildlife and their habitats.
/ 14 May 2024, Armoured sailfin catfish, Today's Article
Sea Anemone
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Th
Context: Scientists at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have discovered mass sea anemone bleaching off Agatti island in the Lakshadweep group.
About Sea anemones:
They belong to the phylum Cnidaria, and reside in ocean waters, mainly in coastal tropical regions. Establishing symbiotic relationships with green algae, akin to corals, they face bleaching when sea surface temperatures rise. Additionally, they form symbiotic bonds with clownfish, providing protection in exchange for food from the clownfish’s meals. Sea anemones play vital biogeochemical roles in benthic ecosystems.
Agatti Island, situated 459 km (248 nautical miles) west of Kochi, Kerala, and adjacent to Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep Union Territory, spans an area of 3.84 sq km. Its lagoon, covering 17.50 sq km, hosts vibrant coral growth and multicoloured fish. Fishing dominates its economy, with Agatti being one of the few islands, along with Minicoy, to yield surplus fish. Coir and copra production follow fishing as key industries on the island.
/ 14 May 2024, Today's Article
Kaziranga National Park
Mapping
Source: TH
Context: Kaziranga National Park in Assam has achieved a significant milestone by recording its highest revenue in its 50-year history during the 2023-24 tourism year. The park also witnessed a surge in visitors, with a total of 3,27,493 tourists, including 13,919 foreign visitors.
About Kaziranga National Park:
- Located intheState of Assamandisthe single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
- International Status:
- It was declared aUNESCO World Heritage Sitein1985.
- It is recognized as anImportant Bird AreabyBirdLife International.
Important Species Found:
- KNP is home to the world’s mostone-horned rhinos.Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuaryhasthehighest density of one-horned rhinos in the world and the second-highest number of Rhinos in Assam after Kaziranga National Park.
- Much of the focus of conservation efforts in Kaziranga is focused on the‘big four’species—Rhino, Elephant, Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo.
- Rivers and Highways: The park has theDiphlu Riverrunning through it.
/ 14 May 2024, Kaziranga National Park, Today's Article
