Migration and Development A Micro Level Analysis With Reference To Rural Jharkhand

Abstract

Migration has long been a powerful driver of economic and social change, reshaping communities and fostering development across regions. Much of this transformation occurs through remittances fueling household consumption, education, and investments. While the impact of international migration has been extensively studied, particularly in terms of its significant contributions to the economic development of home countries, the role of internal migration remains relatively understudied. According to the World Bank (2006), the number of internal migrants is around 763 million, which is almost three times that of international migrants. Despite its vast scale, the economic implications of internal migration, particularly in terms of remittances and their impact on household wellbeing and local development remain insufficiently explored in both scholarly research and policy discourse. Migration is a significant phenomenon in India, largely influenced by the agricultural sector s declining ability to sustain rural livelihoods. From 1991 to 2019, the percentage of agricultural employment plummeted from 63 percent to just 43 percent of total employment, highlighting a pressing need for alternative sources of income. In this context, Jharkhand emerges as a compelling case study characterized by its unique economic landscape and a longstanding history of migration. Rich in critical mineral deposits such as coal (27.3% of India s reserves), iron ore (26%), and copper ore (18.5 %) the state has developed a robust industrial sector that underpins its economy. The manufacturing sector contributes significantly to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), accounting for 29 percent, while agriculture lags behind at only 26 percent. However, this industrial expansion has not come without consequences. The emphasis on mining and heavy industry since independence has displaced over 3 million individuals.