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Addressing Migration Challenges in India: A Call for Enhanced Policy Support

27-09-2024
Surabhi Yadav, Diksha Arya

Abstract

Migration, both internal and international, is a profound and multifaceted phenomenon in India, driven by economic, social, and political factors. With approximately 45.36 crore internal migrants constituting 37% of the population, the migration trend significantly impacts India's urbanization and economic growth. Migrants contribute to labour markets, drive economic development, and enhance local economies through remittances. However, migration also poses substantial challenges, including difficulties accessing social services, housing, and healthcare. Internal migration trends highlight the movement from rural to urban areas for better opportunities, while external migration includes significant flows to Gulf countries and Western nations. Despite the economic benefits, such as remittances bolstering local economies and supporting education and entrepreneurial activities, migrants face legal, financial, and social challenges. These policies implemented by the governments have encountered mixed success due to implementation challenges, bureaucratic hurdles, and gaps in coverage. To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for enhanced policy support. Policymakers should focus on improving access to welfare benefits, aligning skill development programs with market demands, expanding healthcare access, addressing housing needs, supporting legal and social integration, mitigating economic vulnerabilities, and reducing remittance transaction costs. By strengthening these areas, India can better support its migrant population, harness their contributions to sustainable development, and ensure a more inclusive and effective migration management system.

Introduction

Migration, defined as the movement of people from one place to another—whether within a country (internal migration) or across international borders (international migration)—is a complex and significant phenomenon. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a migrant is any individual who relocates from their habitual residence for various reasons, including economic opportunities, social factors, and political instability (International Organization for Migration, 2024). In India, migration is a substantial and multifaceted process influenced by a range of socio-economic factors. The 2011 Census revealed that approximately 45.36 crore individuals, or 37% of India's population, are internal migrants, underscoring the widespread nature of this phenomenon (Census of India, 2011). This internal migration is driven by the pursuit of better employment opportunities, improved living conditions, and escape from poverty. Migration often leads to urbanization and economic growth, addressing labour market gaps by supplying essential skilled and unskilled labor for development (Kundu, 2020). Additionally, remittances sent by migrants bolster local economies and enhance living standards (Ratha et al., 2022). However, migration also presents challenges requiring effective policy interventions. Migrants frequently face difficulties accessing social services, housing, and healthcare in their new locations. Recognizing these issues, the Indian government has implemented various measures to improve migrant welfare, emphasizing the need for policies that safeguard migrants' rights and well-being (Ministry of Labour and Employment, 2023).

Challenges
Legal and Social Barriers

Many Indian migrants, particularly those in Gulf countries, encounter legal issues related to their employment status. Often, they work under short-term contracts that lack job security and basic rights, leading to exploitation and limited upward mobility (Human Rights Watch, 2023).

Economic Vulnerability

Migrants frequently work in low-paying, informal sectors with minimal job security. During economic downturns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many Indian workers in hospitality lost their jobs, causing a significant drop in remittance flows. This led to financial hardships for families’ dependent on these funds (ILO, 2021).

Dependence on Remittances

In some regions, like Kerala, there is an over-reliance on remittances. Families may prioritize consumption over investing in local businesses or agriculture, which can stifle local economic development. The influx of remittance-funded consumption can create challenges for local businesses (Menon, 2020).

High Transaction Costs

Sending remittances often involves high fees, particularly for migrants using informal channels. In rural areas, where access to formal banking is limited, these high fees can reduce the amount of money that reaches families, thereby limiting its impact on development (Sharma, 2018).

Impact of Global Economic Changes

Economic fluctuations in host countries can directly affect remittance flows. For example, declines in oil prices in the Gulf countries, as seen in 2014 and 2020, led to job cuts and reduced wages for Indian workers, decreasing remittance amounts and increasing financial strain on families back home (World Bank, 2021).

Overview and Evaluation of Welfare Policies for Migrants in India

India has developed several welfare policies to support migrants, targeting housing, healthcare, and skill development:

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Launched in 2015, this initiative aims to provide affordable housing to both urban and rural poor, including migrants, with a target of ensuring adequate housing by 2022 (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2021).
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): This scheme allows migrants to access food grains from any Public Distribution System (PDS) shop across India, helping ensure food security for those who frequently relocate for work (Department of Food & Public Distribution, 2020).
  • Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC): A recent initiative designed to provide affordable rental housing for migrants and the urban poor, addressing their accommodation needs (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, 2023).

B. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of These Policies

The effectiveness of these policies has been mixed:

  • Access to Benefits: Migrants often struggle with bureaucratic hurdles and documentation requirements. For example, the ONORC scheme has faced challenges in implementation, with many unable to access rations due to the lack of a permanent address (Reddy, 2021).
  • Skill Development: The PMKVY has had varied success. Despite offering training, job placement remains a challenge due to low demand in certain sectors. Many trained migrants have struggled to find employment (Patel, 2022).
  • Healthcare Access: PMJAY provides substantial coverage, but many migrants are unaware of their eligibility or face difficulties accessing services due to the informal nature of their work and lack of a stable address (Sinha, 2021).
  • Housing: The ARHC scheme holds promise but requires effective implementation and transparency in the allotment process to ensure migrants can access affordable housing (Sharma, 2023).

Call to Action for Policymakers to Enhance Support Systems for Migrants in India

  1. Improve Access to Welfare Benefits: Policymakers should streamline the implementation of welfare schemes like the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) to ensure that all migrants, regardless of their residential status, can access essential services. This involves reducing bureaucratic hurdles, improving documentation processes, and enhancing awareness among migrants about available benefits (Reddy, 2021).
  2. Address Housing Needs: The Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHC) scheme must be implemented with greater transparency and efficiency. Policymakers should ensure that rental housing is not only affordable but also meets the needs of migrants by being located near employment hubs and providing basic amenities (Sharma, 2023).
  3. Support Migrants in Legal and Social Integration: Providing legal aid and facilitation centers, similar to those in Kerala, can help migrants navigate administrative challenges and understand their rights. Such centers should be expanded to cover more regions and offer comprehensive support, including legal assistance, job placement services, and access to social welfare schemes (Thomas, 2021).
  4. Mitigate Economic Vulnerabilities: Migrants working in low-paying or informal sectors are particularly vulnerable to economic shocks. Policymakers should develop safety nets, such as emergency financial support or unemployment benefits, to protect these workers during economic downturns, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic (ILO, 2021).

By implementing these measures, policymakers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for migrants, helping to leverage their contributions for sustainable development while addressing the challenges they face. The goal is to build a robust framework that supports migrants' rights and enhances their ability to contribute to both their home and host communities effectively.

References

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