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Patterns and drivers of internal migration: insights from Jharkhand, India

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Abstract

Rural out-migration is a common phenomenon in Jharkhand and it has become a way of life for the people living in the region. The people have been migrating not just for seeking diverse avenues of employment, but also for accessing better educational and other opportunities.  While Jharkhand has been a separate state for more than two decades, its overall social and economic conditions have barely improved. In addition, it has one of the highest rates of rural out-migration in the country. Despite this, relatively little scholarship has focused on the implications of rural out-migration in this region. This paper seeks to examine the extent of out-migration from Jharkhand and discusses its types, patterns, drivers, and implications. The study was conducted by collecting primary data across different parts  of Jharkhand. A comprehensive questionnaire with diverse set of questions from various dimensions was used in the study. Several migration related questions from both origin and destination have been considered while framing and conducting the survey. Key finding of the study is that rural out-migration has become an integral part of the livelihood of people in Jharkhand. Out-migration is not solely economic, as many young people are leaving rural areas to pursue higher education. The current rate of out-migration is not sustainable for the state, resulting in several socio-economic problems. The study also put forth some policy measure and recommendations to mitigate the negative impacts of migration and ameliorate the well-being of migrants and migrants’ households. The lessons from this study can help design effective future policy interventions to minimize the high rate of out-migration from the region.

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Data availability

The data was collected through a primary survey with proper consent from the heads of the households and the head of the village.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography, Royal Global University, Guwahati, Assam, 781035, India

    Saurav Kumar

  2. Department of Geography and Resource Management, Mizoram University (A Central University), Aizawl, Mizoram, 796004, India

    Vishwambhar Prasad Sati & Chandan Roy

  3. Centre for Labor Studies, School of Management and Labor Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, 400088, India

    Ruchi Singh

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  1. Saurav Kumar
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Hereby, I consciously assure that for the manuscript “Patterns and Drivers of Internal Migration: Insights Jharkhand, India” the following is fulfilled: (1) This material is the authors' own original work, which has not been previously published elsewhere. (2) The paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. (3) The paper reflects the authors' own research and analysis in a truthful and complete manner. (4) The results are appropriately placed in the context of prior and existing research. (5) All sources used are properly disclosed (correct citation). I agree with the above statements and declare that this submission follows the policies of Solid State Ionics as outlined in the Guide for Authors and in the Ethical Statement.

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Kumar, S., Sati, V.P., Singh, R. et al. Patterns and drivers of internal migration: insights from Jharkhand, India. GeoJournal 88, 4971–4990 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-023-10895-6

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