Migration in the Indian context mainly occurs under two major situations-
a) impact of climate change on water availability resulting in drying up of wetlands and increased drought situation which force the farmers to migrate to other areas, particularly urban areas in search of employment (climate refugees)
b) Farmers are also forced to migrate when 'land grabbing' by the corporates become increasingly common and when forced eviction is enforced in the pretext of infrastructure development..
People without agricultural land find it difficult to sustain as there are hardly any other economic activity. The exploitation of natural resources further aggravate the situation.
While discussing about the types of migration, seasonal migration and chain migration are more conspicuous and relevant in Kerala, the southern most state in India, which is internationally known for the "Kerala model of development" There are many migrants from North India and North East working as labour force in Kerala. An interesting phenomenon is that while large number of youth from Kerala migrate to Gulf countries for employment (out migration), considerable number of youth from North Indian states migrate to Kerala for livelihoods (in migration), which is an interesting area worth for research
The two possible strategies for addressing migration issues in India could be:
- Encouraging 'reverse migration' - by shifting focus on development of 'smart villages' in the place of 'smart cities'
- Skilling Rural India- developing skilled rural workforce by providing employable skills
Prof. R. M. Prasad
Former Associate Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University
Former Senior Fellow, National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad
Dr. Muraleedhar Prasad