Nature and determinants of migration: Insights from NSSO data in three states of India

Abstract

The exodus of men is the most opted strategy adopted by rural households to diversify income and reduce risks associated with agriculture. Migration plays a very important role in reducing the liquidity and credit constraints of rural households in India. Data shows there are roughly 30 per cent internal migrants in the country. Despite the existence of studies on patterns and determinants of migration in various out-migrating states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala etc., literature on the same in States with high in-migration are scarce. This article makes an attempt to comprehensively look into patterns and determinants of in-migration in three states. We have used the unit level data on migration (NSSO 64th Round) and tabulated it with suitable statistical techniques. To have a better understanding of determinants of in-migration in the states of Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal, a binary logistic regression model have been employed. We found that the majority of male migrants in these states is from within the state and but from different districts. Another interesting finding is that determining factors for migration vary across states. Social group, education, age, monthly expenditure are significant factors in determining migration decisions.