Chapter 3 · Topic 3.3 · Prelims + Mains3 of 3
Population & Associated Issues: Migration: internal and international
Key points
- Migration: internal and international
Prelims box: facts and traps
- As per Census 2011 data, the total number of Inter-State migrant workers in the country was 4,14,22,917 (PIB, 20 Jul 2023).
- Trap (UPSC Prelims 2023): “Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’” is incorrect. “The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries” is incorrect. “The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments” is incorrect.
Migration: internal and international
Mains 2015 asked candidates to discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades: the shift from rural-rural to rural-urban moves; the rise of long-distance inter-State migration from Bihar, UP and Odisha to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and the South; more women migrating for work; Gulf migration of semi-skilled workers since the 1970s; and skilled migration to the West. As per Census 2011 data, the total number of Inter-State migrant workers in the country was 4,14,22,917 (PIB, 20 Jul 2023).
Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
Mains 2024 asked why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries: more and better-paid jobs, informal-sector openings, networks of earlier migrants, education and health facilities, and the bright-lights effect. Small towns lack industry and services.
Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
International migration. Prelims 2023 asked candidates to consider statements on the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) ’. Answer (d): none correct. Not all UN countries adopted it, its commitments are non-binding, and it deals with international migration, not internal displacement.
Consider the following statements : 1. Recently, all the countries of the United Nations have adopted the first-ever compact for international migration, the ‘Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)’. 2. The objectives and commitments stated in the GCM are binding on the UN member countries. 3. The GCM addresses internal migration or internally displaced people also in its objectives and commitments. How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
Show answer
Answer: (d) · UPSC official key
Mains box: analysis and answer points
- Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries: more and better-paid jobs, informal-sector openings, networks of earlier migrants, education and health facilities, and the bright-lights effect.
- Not all UN countries adopted it, its commitments are non-binding, and it deals with international migration, not internal displacement.
- Likely next angle: GCM non- binding
- Asked: Mains 2015 (GS Paper I, 12.5 marks): Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
- Asked: Mains 2024 (GS Paper I, 10 marks): Why do large cities tend to attract more migrants than smaller towns? Discuss in the light of conditions in developing countries.
Practice
Write an answer
In 150 words, explain the significance of Population & Associated Issues with one recent example.
Flashcards (3)
Inter-State migrant workers, Census 2011?
4,14,22,917 (PIB).
Why big cities attract migrants?
Jobs, networks, services.
Is the GCM binding?
No.
In the news
- 4 Oct 2026CAQM flying squads find 17 road-dust violations along Delhi’s Ring Road
- 26 Sep 2026‘She-Mart’ cooperative outlets launched in Keralam to link women SHGs to markets
- 20 Sep 20269 lakh Community Resource Persons: the frontline of rural service delivery
- 15 Sep 2026Varuna Elevated Corridor: ₹10,998-crore, 43.2-km road project for Varanasi
Next chapter · 4. Poverty & Developmental Issues →Poverty & Developmental Issues: Concepts and measurementSyllabus: GS-I · Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, povert…