PROBLEMS IN INTERNAL MIGRATION IN INDIA: A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE BY - AKSHITA KAUSHIK
AUTHORED BY - AKSHITA
KAUSHIK
INTRODUCTION
Internal migration, the movement of individuals within the
boundaries of a country, is a pervasive phenomenon in India, driven by various
socio-economic factors such as employment opportunities, education, marriage,
and displacement due to environmental or political reasons. While internal
migration has significant implications for the socio-economic landscape of the
country, it also presents a myriad of challenges, particularly from a legal
standpoint.
According to the census, there were 167 million migrants in
1971, 213 million in the 1981 census, 232 million in the 1991 census, 315
million in the 2001 census, and 456 million in the 2011 census. India’s
migration pattern is more than one distorted count. In high-income States such
as Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka,
immigration rates are higher at the State level. The low-income States such as
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Odisha have a relatively high out-migration
rate. The number of women who migrate is 68 per cent, and males are 32 per
cent. Sixty-nine per cent of all migrant women lived in rural areas, while 31
per cent lived in urban areas. 56 per cent of migrant males lived in urban
areas, and 44 per cent lived in rural areas. Conversely, 56 per cent of the
total migrated male populations lived in urban areas, and 44 per cent lived in
rural areas.[1]
Internal migrant flows can be classified on the basis of
origin and destination. Internal migrants were 309 million in the 2001 census
and 450 million in India in the 2011 census (Census of India, 2011). The number
of migrants rose by 45 per cent between 2001 and 2011, while the population
grew by 18 per cent. Internal migrants as a percentage of the population
increased from 30 per cent in 2001 to 37 per cent in 2011. The nature of
movement remains relatively unchanged since 2001, although internal migration
increased significantly in 2011. The majority (62%) of the movement is in the
same district. Around 26 per cent were in the same State between districts, and
12 per cent inter-state migration. In 2011, inter-state migrants accounted for
just 4 per cent of the population, which is virtually unchanged since 2001.[2]
There were four channels of migration, such as rural to
urban, rural to rural, urban to rural, and urban to urban. Rural-rural
migration also dominates amongst migration sources, comprising 69.1 million
migrants in the 2011 census, and it was about 53.3 million in the 2001 census.
Thus, the rural-rural migration growth rate was 29.6 per cent during the
decade. The second most dominant source is urban-urban, with 32.94 million
migrants. The 2001 census of urban and metropolitan migration was the third most
critical source of migration after rural and non-urban migration. However,
during the 2011 Census, the urban-urban trend emerged as India’s second-largest
migration source, with over 18 million migrants completely on the rise The NSSO
stated in its 64th round (2007-2008) that rural-rural migration is the dominant
migrant route accounting for almost 62 per cent of internal migrants, followed
by rural-urban migrants, which account for almost 20 per cent of the total
domestic migrants. There was 13 per cent of urban-urban migration, while
urban-rural migration was just 6 per cent of the overall domestic migrants
(NSSO, 2010).[3]
Large scale migration has increased in the modern era due to
better connectivity and interdependence of various parts of the world. Internal
migration is one of the unexplored categories in India. Despite the facts and
evidence of large rural to rural and rural to urban migration, India does not
have the proper mechanisms to control, execute, and manage these internal
migrants. The research paper titled "Problems in Internal Migration in
India: A Legal Perspective" delves into the complex legal issues surrounding
internal migration within India. This paper seeks to analyze the existing legal
frameworks, identify key challenges faced by internal migrants, and propose
recommendations to address these challenges effectively.
India, as a federal democracy, is characterized by its
diverse legal landscape, with laws and policies varying across states and
regions. Despite constitutional guarantees of freedom of movement and
residence, internal migrants in India often encounter legal hurdles that impede
their access to basic rights and services. These hurdles stem from the absence
of comprehensive legislation specifically addressing the rights and protections
of internal migrants, as well as from inconsistencies in the implementation of
existing laws.
From inadequate access to identity documentation and social
services to exploitation in the informal labor sector, internal migrants
grapple with a multitude of legal challenges that undermine their well-being
and livelihoods. Furthermore, issues such as housing insecurity, interstate
disputes, and vulnerabilities to human trafficking highlight the urgent need
for a robust legal framework to safeguard the rights of internal migrants.
Against this backdrop, this research paper aims to provide a
comprehensive analysis of the legal dimensions of internal migration in India.
By examining the intersection of law, policy, and practice, this paper seeks to
shed light on the systemic barriers that internal migrants face and explore
potential avenues for legal reform and advocacy.
CAUSES OF MIGRATION
People are normally deeply tied to their birthplace. Each
year, millions of people in India depart their rural areas to migrate to cities
with ambitions and dreams of greater work prospects and a better quality of
life. The reasons can be grouped into two categories: push factors that cause
people to leave their families or residences, and pull factors that attract
people from different places. The processes of industrialisation,
marketisation, and urbanisation and liberalisation have triggered the classic ‘push’
and ‘pull’ factors, some of which are as follows:
Push Factors:
·
Poverty and unemployment in rural areas.
·
Lack of economic opportunities.
·
Depletion of natural resources and environmental degradation.
·
Vulnerability to natural disasters.
·
Overcrowding of agriculture.
Pull Factors:
·
Industrialization and urbanization.
·
Marketization and liberalization.
·
Employment opportunities in urban areas.
·
Higher wages and better working conditions.
·
Improved facilities and quality of life.
The literature on migration economics gave due emphasis to
the ‘push’ factors as operated at the place of origin and ‘pull’ factors of the
destination for the processes and outcomes of migration.[4] Poverty, massive unemployment, lack of opportunities,
depletion of natural resources, natural disasters, overcrowding of agriculture
in rural areas on the one hand, and expectation of employment with higher
wages, facilities and better working conditions in cities or urban areas on the
other hand are significant reasons for which rural-urban migration of workers
takes place in India. Landless agricultural labourers in rural areas belonging
to a particular class and caste would experience mobility to meet the
household’s expenditure in comparison to those who are economically well-off.[5]
In summary, the causes of internal migration in India are
multifaceted, stemming from a complex interplay of push and pull factors driven
by economic, environmental, and social dynamics. Understanding these underlying
forces is essential for devising holistic policy responses that address the
root causes of migration and promote inclusive development across rural and
urban landscapes.[6]
CHALLENGES OF MIGRATION: UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLEX LANDSCAPE
Migration, particularly internal migration in India, presents
a myriad of challenges that significantly impact the lives of migrants and the
dynamics of urbanization. These challenges stem from a combination of push and
pull factors, as well as structural and systemic issues inherent in the
migration process.
Identification and Identity Crisis:
Many internal migrants face hurdles in obtaining valid
identification documents in their new places of residence. Without proper
identification, migrants struggle to access essential services and rights, such
as public distribution systems (PDS) permits, which are crucial for accessing
subsidized food grains. The lack of recognized identity documentation not only
undermines migrants' ability to access social services but also deprives them
of their fundamental rights as citizens, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation
and marginalization.
Inadequate Social Security and Health Services:
Internal migrants often find themselves excluded from social
security schemes and health services due to bureaucratic barriers and
administrative complexities. This leaves them without adequate protection in
times of need and exacerbates their vulnerabilities, particularly in the
informal urban economy.
Healthy body not only helps to gain strength but also
increase one?s confidence to perform. Lack of access to sanitation is quiet
evitable in (NCAER, 2002) and NFHS-3 (2005-06) validates this statement stating
that only 5 per cent of poor families in Delhi had personal toilets. Health is
a must facility and is one of the essential requirement for human being but due
to shifting of places migrants face lack of facilities and changes in weather
and benefits provided by the government are the other deficiencies (UNDP,
2009/13). Another study says that migrants often face accidents or injuries at
workplace but do not enjoy health benefits (Borhade, 2012). A study conducted
by (IOM, 2009) says that migrant women with HIV are vulnerable. Many migrants
were forced to go for private health services due to incompetent public healthcare
sector (Mandar and Sahgal, 2010).
Supreme Court also held in People's Union for
Democratic Rights (PUDR) v. Union of India[7] dealt with the issue of migrant workers' rights and
highlighted the need for legal protections and social security measures for
migrant laborers. The court emphasized the importance of enforcing labor laws
and ensuring that migrant workers are not subjected to exploitation or
discrimination based on their migrant status.
Further in the case of National Campaign Committee for
Central Legislation on Construction Labour (NCC-CL) v. Union of India[8], the court addressed the rights of construction workers,
many of whom are internal migrants, and called for the implementation of
welfare measures for their benefit. The court called for the provision of
social security, healthcare, and other essential services to protect the rights
and well-being of construction workers.
Housing and Urban Facilities:
A severe shortage of affordable housing in Indian cities
forces many migrants to live in informal settlements and slums, where living
conditions are often substandard and devoid of basic amenities such as safe
drinking water, sanitation facilities, and electricity.
After food and clothing one of the important human needs is
house. But, rush in the cities and the high cost makes it difficult for them to
have house of their own and to live in mostly crowded and filthy conditions
(Sheikh Et. al., 2014). A study conducted by IGSSS (2010) states that many
people living on the streets of Delhi are migrants from Bihar, UP, West Bengal,
Rajasthan and MP. They have left their places in distress situation in hope of
better living in the city of Delhi. Housing shortage and increase in number of
slums has been seen from past few years (Delhi Human Development Report, 2013).
Another report by NFHS-3 (2005/06) says people in Delhi slums households have 7
or more people sleeping in same room with almost 48 per cent of households.
The lack of affordable housing options not only perpetuates
the cycle of poverty but also exposes migrants to exploitation and abuse by
landlords and local authorities, further compromising their well-being and
security.
The Supreme Court in M.C. Mehta v. State of Tamil Nadu[9] addressed the living conditions of brick kiln workers, a
significant number of whom are internal migrants. The court issued guidelines
to improve their working and living conditions, including provisions for safe
accommodation, healthcare, and fair wages.
Enforcement and Security of Labor Laws:
Despite the existence of legislation such as the Inter-State
Migrant Workers Act of 1979, enforcement mechanisms remain weak, leaving
migrants vulnerable to exploitation and labor rights violations. The complex
network of contractors and intermediaries exacerbates this issue, as migrants
often lack negotiating power in terms of wages, benefits, and working
conditions.
Migrants (laborers) mostly come through Labour contractors in
the city due to which they have to face the situation like long working hours
or timid lights at work place (NCEUS, 2007).working conditions of vulnerable
occupations in Delhi is quite high and people are prone to work in unhygienic
and inhumane environment that too with low wages and timid labor laws
(Deshingkar et. Al. 2008: Srivastava and Sasikumar, 2003). Out of every 1000
workers bruised on the premises, 165 are in India (ILO, 2002). Especially Women
workers who are injured on job, are removed from jobs instead of getting
compensation (Acharya and Reddy, 2016).
Government regulations, benefits, schemes, health benefits
are factors which migrants (laborers) are deprived of. Government do have
proposed various bills but still conditions are undernourished (NCEUS, 2007).
Regulations and administrative procedures exclude migrants from social rights,
political rights and access to legal rights. (UNESCO, 2011). These displaced
many a times lack access to basic services and have no legal protection (Bag
et. al., 2016). Many a times people working even for low skilled jobs like
rickshaw pulling had to bribe and wait in long queues to get license and permit
to rent rickshaws (Menon, 2000).
Economic Drivers of Migration:
Seasonality, low employment opportunities, and agrarian
distress are primary drivers of migration from rural to urban areas. Natural
disasters, wars, and political conflicts further exacerbate migration
pressures, compelling individuals to seek refuge and opportunities in cities.
Conversely, pull factors such as better job prospects, access to education and
healthcare, and improved quality of life draw migrants to urban centers,
leading to overcrowding and strain on urban resources.
Supreme Court in Unni Krishnan, J.P. v. State of Andhra
Pradesh[10] (1993) also focused on the right to education and emphasized
the importance of providing educational opportunities to all children,
including those belonging to marginalized communities and internal migrant
families. The court highlighted the need for equal access to education and
called for measures to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attend
school.
Education is one of the essential needs for one?s life. After
migrating, children of labourers are deprived of basic education due to lack of
documents or paper work and financial crunch which is required for admissions
due to which they cannot have admissions and are forced to child labour. Unlike
countries in Southeast Asia and East Asia, the bulk of the migrant workforce in
India has little or no education. (Srivastava and Sasikumar, 2013). Children
often faces difficulty to cope up different curriculum and language due to
change of places (UNESCO, 2013; Deshingkar and Sandi, 2012). One more report
from UNESCO?S Global Education Monitoring Report (GEM) 2019 shows that children
that are left behind by migrating parents face fewer education opportunities.
Average years of schooling is quiet low in Delhi Slums (Bag et.al, 2016).
OTHER CHALLENGES
Water and Electricity: Lack of potable water and housing facilities make migrants
live in shanties or huts near workplace (NCEUS, 2007) with no proper supply of
electricity or they have to face large power cuts or no proper wiring make it
unsafe and dangerous (IOM, 2015). Bag et.al. (2016)in their survey reported
that poor population of Delhi had to wait in queues to have access to water
through standpipes.
Lack of skills or training: Lack of skills or training of jobs put them to risk which
increase number of accidents at the workplace (PRS, 2019). Lack of skills is
quite evident in slum area migrants of Delhi, where people lack job training
and directly put to work. Many a time?s serious accidents were reported in the
industries of Delhi due to lack of skill and training (SNCL, 2002; NCEUS,
2007).
Job security:
Migrant (laborers) are in informal sectors which lack job security and Labour
laws were hardly followed. They were deprived of good working conditions and
benefits associated with laborers. Migrant laborers are generally absorbed in
informal sector jobs and are poorly paid and work under insecure jobs. (UNDP,
2009/13). Many females were not even recorded in stats and found invisible in
the records of Brick and tiles manufacturing units in Delhi (Gupta, 2003).
Distress wages: They
were force to work under distress or less wages and to cope with day to day
expenses of cities they took up their jobs. Even when they take work off due to
injuries or other they have to pay for their own food, fuel, water and medical
expenses (Sarde, 2008). Low income levels and low levels of human development
is apparent in Delhi slums (Banerji, 2005). They have no choice they either
have to leave up their jobs or to return to their native place.
Gender biasness:
Gender gap of more than 50% shown in Labour Force Participation rate for the
year 2015 (OECD, 2017). Gender biasness is common in society and migrants are
no different to it, less pay to female Labour, sexual abuse at workplace, long
working hours or lack of maternity benefits are quiet common which need to be
strengthen with appropriate Labour laws. Delhi Development Report for the year
2013 also stresses on the need of reducing gender inequality and guaranteeing a
safe environment to people. Another work by (Acharya and Reddy, 2016)
highlights the issue of discrimination and exposure of females to sexual
harassment in Delhi.
Little or no asset:
Antagonistic economic conditions make them move to cities such as debt and low
income which is the major reason to move (Banerji, 2005). Labors shifts to new
workplace with little or no asset of their own which make it difficult to
survive in the city (NCEUS, 2007). Basically, migrants invest all the money
they have a survival in the city (Mandar and Sahgal, 2010). Many laborers work
as bonded laborers in the cities like Delhi, Punjab and Haryana and are trapped
in debt burden with no asset or little money they were many a times exploited
by upper caste (Srivastava, 2005).
High expenses:
Migration is difficult for the livelihood of these poverty ridden, skill and
asset deficient persons who are economically and socially backward (NCEUS,
2007). The dazzles and hope of good income source attract them to cities bring
them here but the high prices and expenses make it difficult for them to
survive here.
Internal migration in India is a complex phenomenon shaped by
a multitude of factors, including economic, social, and environmental dynamics.
Addressing the challenges of migration requires holistic approaches that
prioritize the rights and well-being of migrants, strengthen social protection
mechanisms, and promote inclusive and sustainable urban development. Only
through concerted efforts can India effectively navigate the complexities of
internal migration and ensure equitable opportunities for all its citizens.[11]
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTING MIGRANT WORKERS IN INDIA: A
COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW
The 2030 Sustainable Development Plan recognizes the
significant role migration plays in advancing sustainable development.
Migration intersects with numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and
effective management of migration can contribute to achieving targets related
to poverty reduction, economic growth, education, health, and gender equality.[12]
Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, 11 incorporate
targets and indicators pertinent to migration or mobility. Notably, Target 8.8
focuses on promoting decent work for all, including migrant workers, while
Target 10.7 emphasizes the importance of safe and regular migration, and Target
10c addresses reducing remittance costs.
While there exists a well-established methodology for
measuring progress under Target 8.8, further efforts are required to develop
indicators for Target 10.7. These indicators include measuring recruitment
costs and assessing the effectiveness of migration policies (UN, 2016).
Acknowledging migration's multifaceted impact on sustainable
development, the 2030 Sustainable Development Plan underscores the need for
comprehensive strategies that not only manage migration flows but also harness
the potential of migration to achieve broader development objectives. By
aligning migration policies with the SDGs and strengthening data collection and
measurement mechanisms, countries can better leverage migration as a catalyst
for inclusive growth, social progress, and environmental sustainability.[13]
In the constitutional framework of India, labor law is a
domain shared between the Union List and the Concurrent List, granting
authority to the Parliament of India to legislate on labor matters. This
constitutional arrangement underscores the importance of labor legislation in
safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers, including migrant workers. The
Indian Constitution enshrines various fundamental liberties and regulations to
protect the interests of all individuals, irrespective of their place of origin
or residence.
Constitutional Safeguards:
Article 19(1)(d) and (e) of the constitution guarantees the
right of all individuals to move freely and reside in any part of Indian
territory, ensuring free migration.
Article 15 prohibits discrimination based on place of birth,
while Article 16 mandates equal opportunities in public employment matters,
ensuring equitable treatment for all individuals.
Statutory Enactments for Workers:
Several statutory enactments and policies are specifically
designed to protect the rights of workers, including migrant workers, such as
the Inter-state Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of
Service) Act, 1979, the Building and Other Construction Workers’ (Regulation of
Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, and the Unorganised Workers
Social Security Act, 2008.
These laws aim to regulate employment conditions, ensure fair
wages, provide social security benefits, and protect workers from exploitation
and discrimination in various sectors.
Key Legislation and Acts:
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act of 1979 seeks to prevent
exploitation of inter-state migrants by requiring registration of agencies
employing such workers and ensuring compliance with minimum employment
standards.
The Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996,
addresses the welfare needs of construction workers, including provisions for
minimum wages, safety measures, and access to basic amenities.
The Workers Compensation Act, 1923, provides for compensation
in case of work-related accidents, albeit with limited application to
agricultural labor.
The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948, offers insurance
coverage for workers, including sickness, maternity, and disability benefits,
although accessibility remains a challenge for agricultural laborers.
Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act of 1979
The Act is intended to discourage contractors from exploiting
inter-state migrants and ensuring equal and decent employment terms. The law
requires registration of each agency employing inter-state migrants and the
licensing of contractors recruiting such workers. Contractors must supply the
appropriate authority with all workers’ data. Migrant workers are entitled to
salaries equal to other employees, travel expenses, and loss of wages during
travel. Contractors will have to ensure regular payment, non- discrimination,
provide suitable accommodation, free medical facilities, and protective
clothing for the workmen.
The Building and Other Construction Workers Act, 1996
The Government of India adopted the Building and Other
Construction Workers Act of 1996, known as the BOCW Act. The BOCW Act is social
welfare legislation intended to help workers employed in building and
construction work throughout the country. Building employees are most
frequently denied minimum salaries, fair pay, overtime, water, sanitation,
crèche, first aid, and temporary housing. This law intends to address the
problems of the workers.
Workers Compensation Act, 1923
The Workman’s Compensation Act of 1923 provides for the
compensation of accidents “arising out of and in the course of employment,”
resulting in death or total or partial disablement of the workers. This Act has
an extremely limited application and does not apply to all agricultural labour.
Employers State Insurance Act, 1948
The Act is one of the pioneering measures in the area of
insurance for workers. It provides for (a) sickness benefit (b) maternity
benefit (c) disablement benefit (d) dependents (e) medical benefit and (f)
funeral benefit. However, these benefits, if at all, are available to a
negligible section of agricultural labourers because of the legal,
administrative and other problems.
The Trade Union Act, 1926
The formation of unions or associations received attention at
the international level as early as 1921 when the ILO adopted the right to
organise and collective bargaining conventions in 1948. These conventions inter
alia affirm all workers’ rights, including rural workers, to establish a free
and independent organisation and call upon the member States to implement the
provision through legislation. Article (19c) of the constitution guarantees the
right to “form associations or unions,” which does not include the right to
strike. There is no specific legislation like the Trade Union Act, 1926, for
agricultural workers who are being registered. These unions appear in
operations covered by the term “Industry” under IDA 1947.
Maternity Benefits Act, 1961
Like the Employee’s State Insurance Act, the Maternity
Benefit Act, 1961, empowers the State Government to extend the provisions of
the Act to an establishment or class of establishment, including agriculture.
It could not be implemented in the agricultural sector in most of the sectors.
Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008
Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act 2008 is an Act to
ensure the social protection and welfare of unorganised workers. This Act
provides social security schemes like life and disability cover, health and
maternal benefits, and old age protection to unorganised workers. The Act
stipulates equality based on payment of wages, wage rates, holidays, leave,
hours of work, and other service conditions. This Act also provides for
displacements allowance and journey allowance.
National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005
The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (NREGA),
later renamed as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act,
MGNREGA represents one notable enactment of the ‘right to work and to counter
seasonal migration. The objective of this Act is to reinforce living security
in rural areas by giving every household whose adult members volunteer to
perform unskilled manual work at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment
during a financial year. It is successfully implemented in only a few places,
which is a minuscule response.
Challenges and Limitations:
·
Despite the existence of comprehensive legislation,
implementation remains a significant challenge, with discrepancies between
states and sectors.
·
Migrant workers often face difficulty accessing legal
protections and asserting their rights due to lack of awareness, low bargaining
power, and limited representation in trade unions.
·
Judicial recourse for migrant labor issues is limited, with
minimal litigation and resolution of disputes, highlighting gaps in the justice
system.
While India has made strides in enacting legislation to
protect the rights of migrant workers, significant challenges persist in
ensuring effective implementation and enforcement. Addressing these challenges
requires concerted efforts from policymakers, employers, civil society, and the
judiciary to safeguard the rights and dignity of all workers, particularly
migrant workers who contribute significantly to India's economy and
development.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
The plight of internal migrants in India highlights the
pressing need for holistic strategies to confront the array of challenges they
encounter while seeking livelihood opportunities. Trapped in a cycle of
insecurity and deprivation within the informal urban economy, migrants urgently
require empowering interventions to enable their socio-economic mobility and
foster inclusive development across rural and urban landscapes.
To address these challenges effectively, prioritizing the
revitalization of rural areas is paramount. This entails implementing
strategies to bolster sustainable livelihood options, including ensuring food
security, facilitating access to credit, and creating employment opportunities
tailored to local contexts. Additionally, enhancing rural infrastructure, such
as healthcare, education, and transportation, is crucial to improving the
quality of life and attracting investment in rural communities.
Moreover, democratizing governance mechanisms is essential to
ensuring that internal migrants have a voice in decision-making and planning
processes. By actively involving migrants in shaping policies that affect their
lives, we can create more inclusive and responsive governance structures.
Flexibility in education provisions is imperative to prevent
the neglect and marginalization of migrant communities within the education
system. By adapting educational programs to accommodate the unique needs of
migrants, we can ensure that their communities receive equitable access to
education and opportunities for socio-economic advancement.
Furthermore, providing internal migrants with nationally
recognized identity documentation is vital to enabling them to assert their
socio-economic rights across regions. Measures to promote social integration
and combat prejudice against migrants are also essential for fostering cohesive
communities and reducing disparities.
There are various other reasons to improve the conditions for
migrants as discussed below:
·
Migrants provide large support in the form of Labour supply.
·
Internal migrants not only fulfil their financial needs but
also provide valuable skill and Labour to the society.
·
Migrants can reduce income disparities and can bring poverty
reduction.
·
Better salary and skills to internal migrants could help them
to earn more and send better remittances back home which will bring more flow
of income in the economy.
·
Better conditions of health, social needs, political needs,
and education could make them more efficient and they will no longer will
remain burden on economy internal migration leads to more job opportunities and
access to better services by rising competition.
In addressing these challenges, we must adopt an approach
that empowers internal migrants to lead healthy and dignified lives in any
location of their choosing. By prioritizing inclusive development strategies
and fostering a supportive environment for migrant communities, we can work
towards a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens of India.
RECOMMENDATIONS
·
In order to provide them with safe and healthy living the
govt. should make them registered. A registered portal should be initiated to
make their record and analyze their movement.
·
The policies framed should be timely monitored and regulated
to ensure their implementation and make a change to their living.
·
The governments (State and Centre) should work to expand and
improve infrastructure (Transport, healthcare, education and housing) in order
to give them just conditions.
·
There is a need to frame an identity card especially for the
ones working in urban informal sectors in lieu of providing with regulated
working conditions and accordingly remunerations should be granted.
·
They should be granted with easy and accessible healthcare
and education with less paperwork requirement to give them ease of
participation as many are illiterate and have to wait in queues to make things
happen.
OTHER SUGGESTIONS:
Empowering Rural Areas:
- Strengthening rural economies through the creation of
sustainable livelihood options is essential to mitigate distress migration.
This includes initiatives to enhance food security, facilitate access to
credit, and generate employment opportunities within rural communities.
- Improving rural infrastructure, including healthcare,
education, and transportation, is crucial to enhancing the quality of life and
attracting investment in rural areas.
Democratic Governance Mechanisms:
- Democratising governance mechanisms to ensure the
participation of internal migrants in decision-making and planning processes is
imperative. Empowering migrant communities to voice their concerns and shape
policies that affect their lives can lead to more inclusive and effective
interventions.
Flexible Education Opportunities:
- Providing flexible education opportunities for migrant
children is essential to prevent their neglect and ensure their integration
into the education system. This includes provisions for free higher secondary
education, trained consultants for migrant children, and systematic changes to
accommodate their unique needs.
Enhanced Social Integration:
- Measures to promote social integration and eliminate
prejudice against internal migrants are necessary to foster cohesive
communities. Public awareness campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and
cultural exchange programs can contribute to bridging social divides and
promoting solidarity.
Nationwide Identity Documentation:
- Implementing a nationally recognized and accessible system
of identity documentation for internal migrants is critical to enabling them to
claim their socio-economic rights across regions. This would facilitate access
to essential services and promote social inclusion and mobility.
Data Collection and Policy Formulation:
- Addressing the lack of reliable data on migrant workers
requires the establishment of a comprehensive registration system at the
grassroots level. This would enable policymakers to better understand migration
patterns and formulate targeted policy measures to address the needs of migrant
populations effectively.
Skill Development and Employment Opportunities:
- Enhancing skill development programs and providing
on-the-job training for migrant workers can improve their employability and
earnings potential. Policy interventions should focus on developing technical
skills relevant to both rural and urban contexts, including agriculture, animal
husbandry, and service sector skills.
Infrastructure and Social Support:
- Ensuring access to basic infrastructure such as housing,
sanitation, insurance, and healthcare is essential to safeguarding the
well-being of migrant households. Government interventions should prioritize
the provision of affordable housing, access to healthcare facilities, and
social security schemes for migrant workers.
By adopting a holistic approach that addresses the root
causes of migration, empowers migrant communities, and promotes social
inclusion, India can harness the potential of internal migration to drive
sustainable development and create a more equitable society for all its
citizens.
Although, there are always two sides to a coin and the issue
of internal migration is no different, it too have some pros (availability of
cheap labour, reduction in income disparity by sending remittances etc.) and
cons (increase in crime rate, conflicts, population rush etc.). Migration is a
complex issue but every economy slowly but steadily is learning to deal with it
and it is need to be addressed with patience and utmost care. States like Delhi
which has become a major attraction for the in-migrants as discussed above,
this issue needs more attention and had to be addressed on a serious note.
Governments with the initiatives by ILO has planted various policies and with
better implementation and people?s support, this issue could be resolved, so
that population rush and issues like health, education, social and political
could be timely handled and were merged well into the city.
Among policy options, the government should frame appropriate
policies which can make the transition of migrants from one state to another
easier. The laws framed by ILO should be strengthened and regulated properly.
In order to ensure proper functioning of labor laws and migrants welfare,
awareness among migrants regarding the safeguards and benefits available to
them need to be made through trade unions and other skill and training
programmes. Nurseries, schools and childcare facilities should be made available
near workplace. There is also a need to eliminate intermediaries so that direct
link between workers and employers could be made and more accessibility of jobs
be made. Policy adoption by different States could be monitored forbetter
inclusion of migrants.
[1] Census of India.
(2011). Census of India 2011. New Delhi: Office of the Registrar General &
Census Commissioner.
[2] Ibid.
[3] NSSO. (2010).
‘Migration in India 2007-2008’. NSS Report No. 533 (64/10.2/2). New Delhi:
National Sample Survey Office, Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation, Government of India.
[4] Bhagat, R.B. (2018).
“Development Impacts of Migration and Urbanisation.” Economic and Political
Weekly, 53(48):15-19.
[5] Choudhary, R. C.
(1991). “Migration of Rural Labour: A Case Study of Samastipur District in
Bihar.” The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 34(4): 347-351.
[6] Ibid.
[7] (1982) 3 SCC 235
[8] (2009) 10 SCC 477
[9] (1997) 1 SCC 388
[10] (1993) 1 SCC 645
[11] Saha, S., Goswami, R.,
& Paul, S.K. (2018). “Recursive Male Out-migration and the Consequences at
Source: A Systematic Review with Special Reference to the Left-behind Women.”
Space and Culture, India, 5(3): 30-53.
[12] UN.
(2016). The Sustainable Development Goals and Migrants/Migration Regarding the
UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda: Relevant SDGs, Implementation Actions,
Realization Measurement Indicators and Rationales for Inclusion. New York, NY:
United Nations.
[13] UN. (2016). The
Sustainable Development Goals and Migrants/Migration Regarding the UN 2030
Sustainable Development Agenda: Relevant SDGs, Implementation Actions,
Realization Measurement Indicators and Rationales for Inclusion. New York, NY:
United Nations.