India Migrant Millions Face Urban Challenges

India is witnessing a significant internal migration of its population, driven by the aspiration for a better life in urban areas. This migration poses formidable challenges for the Indian government, such as managing urban infrastructure strains and generating millions of jobs to accommodate the influx of young, unemployed individuals.

The Scale of Internal Migration

• In 2011, India's population stood at 1.21 billion, with approximately 456 million internal migrants.
• The United Nations recently projected India's population to surpass 1.42 billion, making it the world's most populous nation.
• The majority of internal migrants are young people from rural areas, particularly from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where population growth is rapid.

Precarious Employment Conditions

• Many internal migrants end up in low-paying and precarious jobs, including labor, driving, and assisting in shops and households.
• The lack of better job opportunities and political power to negotiate wages forces migrants into vulnerable work conditions.
• These jobs do not offer sufficient wages for housing or education for their children.

Challenges in Urban Living

• Internal migrants face challenges related to the high cost of living in cities.
• Access to social welfare benefits is limited, and many migrants become victims of urban crime, particularly in slum areas.
• The story of Abdul Nur, a security guard, highlights the difficulties migrants face in cities, including Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Return Migration

• Some migrants become disheartened by their urban experiences and choose to return to their home villages.
• Exploitative practices by employers, such as not paying full wages, push some migrants to return.
• Bhikhari Manjhi's story illustrates the hardships faced by migrants in pursuit of urban opportunities.

Economic Contribution of Migrant Workers

• Migrant workers significantly contribute to India's GDP, accounting for approximately 10%.
• Their remittances back to their home regions reduce poverty and improve the well-being of their families.

Government Intervention

• Experts suggest that the government must create more jobs and distribute them across the country, particularly in underdeveloped rural areas.
• Rural India often has jobs characterized by disguised unemployment, where increased employment does not lead to higher output.
• Cities will continue to attract migrants as they remain the primary source of employment opportunities.

Conclusion

India's internal migration poses substantial challenges for the government, but it also offers potential economic benefits. To address these challenges effectively, the government must focus on creating more widespread job opportunities and investing in the development of rural regions, while recognizing that cities will continue to be a magnet for migrants seeking better prospects.