Pattern and Characteristics of Migration From Bihar: Evidence From Census Data

Abstract

Migration is closely linked to development process. Due to the stagnant development process in Bihar outmigration have increased in recent two decades. It has it’s root in green revolution which continued till date. Migration refers to movement of people from one place to another. When a person is enumerated at different place than his/her place of birth is known as migrant. It may be of permanent or temporary, a short or long term in nature. Several scholars in their studies showed that poor implementation of land reforms, as well as a lack of industrial investments in Bihar, left the state underdeveloped. Low Growth, high levels of poverty and the ‘semi-feudal’ systems of agricultural production, where the upper castes-controlled land and power, encouraged outmigration. Due to ongoing political, social and economic changes in Bihar, the migration pattern is also changing in past decades. This paper aims to analyse the pattern and causes of migration in Bihar through secondary data sources such as Census of India 2001 and 2011, by using tools like Percentage, ratio, pie chart, histogram, graphical presentation etc. Motivation to this study is to draw attention of policymakers because Outmigration of human capital is important developmental challenge for Bihar. There is urgent need to protect and develop village industries in Bihar which in turn create employment and reduce migration through spill over effect. KEYWORDS: Outmigration, pattern, employment, Bihar, Government policy, Developmental challenge