Circular Migration

Source: The Hindu
GS II: Human Resource

Overview

Why in the News?

In India, internal migration, which is migration within a particular country or State, has almost always been circular.

With rapid industrialisation, there has been a massive flow of migrants from rural areas to urban cities

It is a repetitive form of migration wherein people move to another place (the destination country) and back (country of origin) according to the availability of employment.
This phenomenon is primarily observed among individuals with low incomes who move to take advantage of temporary job opportunities in a different country, city, or location.
Circular migration gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s with the rise of globalization and economic development.

In India, internal migration has traditionally followed a circular pattern.
The emergence of opportunities in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors has led to a significant influx of migrants from rural areas to urban centres.
Between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012, the construction sector experienced a substantial increase in employment, particularly among rural males.
This phenomenon has resulted in a decline in rural populations and their economic activities, while urban areas, although flourishing, have struggled with inadequate infrastructure to accommodate the incoming migrant populations.
In the wake of post-liberalization uneven development in India, there has been a notable increase in inter-state migration.
States such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Bihar have recorded some of the highest out-migration rates.
Initially, most migration was directed towards Delhi, but in recent times, southern States have also witnessed an uptick in migrant arrivals.
A study conducted in 2020 on the circular migration of rural males from West Bengal revealed that many of these migrants were previously engaged in agricultural occupations in their home states.
Upon migrating, a majority of them found employment in low-skill jobs.

Enhanced opportunities for higher-paying employment compared to their home states, improved household well-being through remittances, and increased mobility, among other factors.
Women gain greater autonomy and decision-making authority within their families in the absence of migrating men.
Language barriers pose a significant challenge, with rural circular migrants frequently relying on intermediaries or agents.
These migrants are often subject to exploitation and experience significant limitations on their freedoms in the host states.

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