While the task force in Odisha seeks to address these issues, distress migration is not unique to the state
Tejeswar Patnaik
Migration of laborers in India, particularly in rural areas, is a complex phenomenon shaped by socioeconomic disparities, lack of opportunities and regional imbalances in development. While migration can spur economic growth and improve livelihoods, it also exposes workers in unorganized sectors to exploitation, poor living conditions and social vulnerabilities. Rural-to-urban and inter-state migration trends in India have grown substantially in recent decades, requiring a thorough understanding of the causative factors and the policies being put in place to address the challenges. A majority of India’s migrant workers hail from underdeveloped states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Odisha.
Odisha, in particular, stands out for its high rates of labor migration. Fourteen out of Odisha’s 30 districts consistently send workers to prosperous states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana and Delhi. The lack of sufficient employment opportunities within the state is a key reason for this migration.
Distress Migration
To tackle this long-standing issue, the Odisha government has recently constituted a high-level task force led by Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo. This task force aims to address distress migration by analyzing trends, identifying challenges, and developing long-term solutions. It plans to meet every six months to assess progress and recommend measures such as improved infrastructure, enhanced livelihood options, better credit access, and integration with poverty alleviation programs.
Distress migration occurs when workers are compelled to leave their native place due to inadequate local employment opportunities, poverty, or adverse socio-economic conditions. In Odisha, nearly half of the state’s districts experience high out-migration rates, particularly in western, southern and coastal regions. These workers often migrate to urban centers or industrial hubs in search of better prospects.
While the task force in Odisha seeks to address these issues, distress migration is not unique to the state. Across India, rural areas suffer from inadequate infrastructure, limited access to education and healthcare, and declining agricultural income. The disparities between rural and urban areas exacerbate the push factors triggering migration.
Intra-State Migration
Intra-state migration, particularly rural-to-urban migration, is another significant trend. Let us take the case of Bhubaneswar City which was once known for its clean environment and planned infrastructure, has faced rapid urbanization pressures. Migrant workers dominate Bhubaneswar’s unorganized sector thus resulting in mushrooming of slums. Poverty, unemployment, and underemployment are the primary reasons behind this movement.
This influx has led to unauthorized settlements, encroachments, and a strain on urban infrastructure. Our mega cities in India face the problem influx of migrant labourers thus impacting the urban ecosystem, and contributing to overcrowding and deteriorating living conditions. The civic services and other govt agencies are facing an uphill task to mitigate the challenges.
The movement of migrant workers from underdeveloped regions to prosperous states has been a long-standing trend in India. States like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra attract the largest number of migrant workers due to their industrial growth and employment opportunities. According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 Agenda, migration plays a vital role in achieving inclusive and sustainable development, particularly under Goal 8, which emphasizes decent work for all.
However, migrant workers often fall into the trap of low-paying, hazardous jobs in the unorganized sector. They face language barriers, weak bargaining power, and limited social networks, making them vulnerable to exploitation. According to the 2021–22 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), only 21.5% of workers in India hold regular wage jobs, while the rest work in insecure environments without social security benefits.
Socioeconomic factors such as urbanization, income disparities, farm mechanization, and the breakdown of joint families in rural areas further fuelled migration. While remittances from migrants improve rural living standards, the benefits often come at the cost of social dislocation and increased vulnerability for workers.
Multifarious Challenges
The challenges faced by migrant workers are multifarious. They often work in unsafe environments with low wages and no social security. The construction sector, which absorbs the largest share of migrant workers, is particularly notorious for exploitative practices. Many workers are recruited by agents or contractors and sent to work on large projects far from their home states. This leaves them susceptible to abuse and exploitation.
We have come across frequently news reports of accidental deaths, injuries, and poor living conditions in migrant workers’ camps. The lack of legal protections and inadequate enforcement of labor laws further exacerbate these issues.
The central Government has introduced various initiatives to safeguard the interest of migrant workers and address the challenges of labour migration. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) provides a minimum of 100 days of guaranteed employment in rural areas, reducing the need for migration. Other legislative measures include the Employees’ Provident Fund Act (EPF, 1952), the Minimum Wages Act, and the Central Labour Act.
To create a database and support for unorganized workers, the central government launched the E-Shram portal in 2021. This national database includes migrant workers, gig workers, agricultural workers, and others in the unorganized sector. Over 30 crore workers pan India have registered on the platform, to gain access to social security benefits like accidental insurance.
Additionally, the Government‘s Samadhan portal addresses grievances related to illegal termination, delayed wages, and gender discrimination. These initiatives aim to provide a safety net for vulnerable workers, ensuring they receive fair treatment and basic protections.
COVID-19 Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the plight of migrant workers into the national limelight. During the nationwide lockdown in 2020, millions of workers were stranded without jobs, transportation, or access to necessities. This humanitarian crisis underscored the urgent need for framing a policy on comprehensive interstate migration.
Labor migration plays a crucial role in India’s economy contributing to industrial growth and supporting rural livelihoods through remittances. However, to harness its potential, the government must address the underlying causes of migration and protect the rights of workers.
Strengthening rural infrastructure, emphasis on education and healthcare, and promoting skill development programs can reduce distress migration. Urban planning must also prioritize affordable housing, sanitation, and healthcare for migrant workers.
(The writer is a former Dy General Manager of Bank of India. Views expressed are personal)
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