Rural-Urban Migration in India: Types, Challenges and Opportunities
Abstract
Rural-urban migration is a way of life to many of the rural poor; it has rarely been studied at a macro level despite its high prevalence inIndia. Drawing from the recently available Indian National Sample Survey (2007-08, 64 Round), this paper aims to study this concern in terms of the factors influencing rural-urban migration, types, challenges and consequences of migration in India. Rural-urban migration plays a significant role in the present-day context. The current study examines the comparative status of migrants in urban India, and seasonal and long-term migration in different streams. It also ascertains how the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005) can impact rural migration in rural India. The study is based on secondary data collected from various published sources and government records. This study can help in an understanding the present status of rural-urban migration in Indian society. The study can assist in the development of rural-urban migration at grass-root level.