MIGRATION : AN OVERVIEW AND RELEVANT ISSUES,

Abstract

The paper discusses how migration is continuing in different parts of India and how it is becoming more and more crucial
towards improving livelihood status. In 2004-05, Indian labour force consisted of about 430 million persons, growing
annually at about 2% (Economic Survey, 2007). Slightly less than 3/5th of it is employed in agriculture, mostly residing
in rural areas and producing a little over 1/5th of the domestic product. Cultivators form about 2/3rd of the rural workforce,
the remaining are agriculture workers. Industry (mining, manufacturing, construction and utilities) employs around 18%
of the workforce, producing about 27% of the domestic output. Despite NREGS implementation in all districts, Migration
of unskilled and skilled labourers has not stopped yet; it is continuing in parts and pieces. Labourers and farmers
whose income is not enough that they can have a respected life, they are opting for some other options. They are migrating
towards cities to work in factories and construction projects etc. As it has been discussed frequently that major migration
is due to failure of Agriculture as mainstream livelihood activity; policy makers should explore ways and means to
reestablish the importance of Agriculture in terms of livelihood. One important fact about migration is that it never can
be totally stopped as it is under the process of development. Faulty implementation of several welfare legislations and
schemes has led towards more and more migration of rural poor. To the extent, it seems necessary for marginalized and
vulnerable class of the society to migrate and have some respectable livelihood options.