Migration in the Jharkhand context occurs mainly due to two major situations:
1. The impact of deforestation for widening roads for heavy rush of motor vehicle, used by not more than 8 to 10% of the population who live in urban areas. They are government servants, business class as well as corporators. As we all know, farming in Jharkhand depends on rain water and single paddy. There are few developed farmers where their few family members are in any job or own business. Due to deforestation on water availability and the deep ground water level farmers are unable to use it for farming. This results in the drying up of wells as well ponds and seasonal rivers, wetlands and increased drought, compelling the farmers to migrate to other areas, particularly urban areas in search of employment (climate refugees).
2. Literate or illiterate persons along with farmers are also forced to migrate when the government sanctions land for corporates in the name of development and large scale jobs for them, but all in vein. According to the Land Acquisition Act, the consent of 80% of the villagers is mandatory but forced eviction has been taking place for infrastructure development. But their is no benefit that goes to farmers or land owners.
As we know most of the rural population depends on work related to agriculture. Without agricultural land it seems difficult to sustain their life.
While discussing about the types of migration, seasonal migration and part time migration are more conspicuous and relevant in Jharkhand, as the other states in India. There are many migrants from Jharkhand working in Panjab, Gujrat, Kerala, Chenai, Mumbai, Surat working for their livelihoods.
Binni Azad