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Question

According to the Census 2011, in India, what is the percentage of people (approximately) considered to be migrants (internal), i.e., now settled in a place different from their previous residence?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

37%

Understanding Internal Migration in India: Census 2011 Data

The question asks about the approximate percentage of people in India considered internal migrants according to the Census 2011. Internal migrants are defined as individuals who are currently living in a place that is different from their place of last residence or place of birth.

What is Internal Migration?

Internal migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another within the boundaries of a country. The Census of India collects data on migration primarily based on two criteria:

  • Place of Birth: Where a person was born.
  • Place of Last Residence: The last place where a person usually lived.

Someone is counted as a migrant if their place of enumeration (where they are surveyed) is different from their place of birth or place of last residence. The question specifically mentions being settled in a place different from their previous residence, which aligns with the 'place of last residence' definition being a key indicator for recent migration.

Census 2011 Findings on Internal Migration

According to data from the Census 2011, a significant portion of the Indian population has migrated internally. The total number of internal migrants based on the 'place of last residence' criterion was substantial.

The approximate percentage of people considered internal migrants (those settled in a place different from their previous residence) in India, as per the Census 2011, is around 37%.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the provided options in light of the Census 2011 data:

  • 25%: This is lower than the reported percentage.
  • 37%: This aligns with the approximate percentage of internal migrants based on place of last residence according to Census 2011.
  • 45%: This is higher than the reported percentage.
  • 55%: This is significantly higher than the reported percentage.

Therefore, the percentage closest to the actual figure reported by Census 2011 for internal migrants (based on previous residence) is 37%.

Key Factors Driving Internal Migration in India

Several factors contribute to internal migration:

  • Economic Reasons: Seeking better employment opportunities and higher wages is a primary driver.
  • Social Reasons: Migration due to marriage (especially for women) is very common.
  • Educational Reasons: Moving to access better educational institutions.
  • Environmental Reasons: Sometimes due to natural disasters or environmental degradation.
  • Political Reasons: Although less common for internal migration, sometimes due to conflict or displacement.

In India, migration for marriage accounts for a large share, particularly female migration, while migration for work/employment is a major driver for males.

Revision Table: Census 2011 Migration Data

Metric Description Approximate Value (Census 2011)
Internal Migrants (based on Place of Last Residence) People living in a different place than their previous residence. ~37% of the population
Total Migrants (based on Place of Birth) People enumerated at a place different from their place of birth. Higher than 37% (Includes lifetime migrants)
Major Reason for Female Migration Marriage Largest category
Major Reason for Male Migration Work/Employment Largest category

Additional Information on Migration in India

Understanding migration patterns in India involves looking at various aspects beyond just the numbers. The Census provides a snapshot, but migration is a dynamic process.

  • Rural-Urban Migration: A significant flow of people from rural areas to urban centers seeking jobs and better amenities.
  • Inter-state vs. Intra-state Migration: Migration can occur within the same state (intra-state) or across different states (inter-state). Intra-state migration is more common.
  • Seasonal Migration: Many people, especially in agricultural or construction sectors, migrate seasonally for work and return home.
  • Impacts of Migration: Migration has impacts on both the place of origin (remittances, brain drain) and the place of destination (strain on infrastructure, labor supply).
  • Data Sources: Besides the Census, the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) also collects data on migration, often providing more detailed insights into the reasons and types of migration.

The 37% figure from Census 2011 highlights that migration is a widespread phenomenon influencing demographic, social, and economic landscapes across India.

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