Population Migration of Santhal Pargana Division of Jharkhand State A Geographical Perspective

Abstract

ix newlineABSTRACT newlineMigration has emerged as a significant socio-economic phenomenon in India, newlineparticularly in states with high Scheduled Tribe (ST) populations such as Jharkhand, newlineMadhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This study analyses migration patterns, newlinecauses, and impacts in these states using census data and socio-economic indicators. newlineKey findings include the predominance of intra-state migration, with Jharkhand newlineshowing that 81.34% of its migrants move within the state, a trend also observed in newlineMadhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. However, inter-state migration remains newlinesignificant, driven by economic and social factors. Within states, a large proportion of newlinemigration occurs within districts, particularly in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, where intradistrict newlinemigration is common. Employment is the primary driver of migration, newlineespecially among men, while female migration is mainly driven by marriage, though newlineemployment is also a factor, particularly in Chhattisgarh. The study highlights that ST newlinecommunities are particularly vulnerable to migration due to economic pressures such newlineas poverty and lack of employment opportunities. Popular destinations for migrants newlinefrom Jharkhand and Odisha include neighbouring states like West Bengal and newlineMaharashtra, chosen for their economic opportunities and social networks. Jharkhand newlinehas implemented initiatives like the Safe and Responsible Migration Initiative (SRMI) newlineand the Jharkhand Migrant Survey (JMS) to manage migration and provide support to newlinemigrant workers, with a focus on the challenges faced by women and tribal newlinecommunities. Seasonal migration is common, especially among ST communities, who newlineoften migrate for work in industries like brick kilns and construction after the newlineagricultural season. Demographically, younger individuals and children are more likely newlineto migrate, raising concerns about the impact on education. Caste plays a significant newlinerole in migration, with ST and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) being the most likely newlineto migrate, reflecting their socio-economic vulnerabilities. Economic drivers such as newlinepoverty, unemployment, and the failure of government schemes like MGNREGA to newlineprovide stable employment are key factors pushing migration. Education levels newlinesignificantly influence migration decisions, with lower levels of education correlating newlinewith engagement in unskilled labour in harsh conditions, particularly among female newlinemigrants in tribal communities. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for newlinetargeted policies to address the root causes of migration, focusing on improving newlinex newlineeducation, employment opportunities, and social services in these states to reduce the newlinenecessity of migration. newline