The 2011 Census data provides a comprehensive depiction of migration patterns within India. It sheds light on the extent of intra-state and inter-state migrations, the varying migratory magnetism of different cities and regions, and the underlying motivations driving these migratory flows.
Delhi as a Migrant Magnet
Delhi, the nation’s capital, stands out as a strong migrant magnet. Nearly 40 percent of the city’s population in 2011 consisted of individuals born outside Delhi. This impressive figure demonstrates Delhi’s immense pull factor, succeeding in attracting people from all over the country.
Comparison with Other Major Cities
In comparison to Delhi, other major cities in India show different patterns. In Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, less than 10 percent of the population were born outside their respective states. Among Mumbai’s population, less than 30 percent were migrants, while for Bengaluru and Pune, the figures were marginally over 17 percent and 10 percent respectively.
Migration Patterns in the National Capital Region (NCR)
Within the National Capital Region (NCR), the city of Gurugram has attracted about 36 percent of its population from outside Haryana. In contrast, in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar district, which includes NCR’s Noida and Greater Noida, only about 18 percent of the population was born outside Uttar Pradesh.
| City | Percentage of Migrant Population |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 40% |
| Mumbai | Less than 30% |
| Bengaluru | Just over 17% |
| Pune | Just over 10% |
| Gurugram (NCR) | 36% |
| Gautam Buddh Nagar (NCR) | 18% |
Intra-regional Migration and Exceptions
The Census data also indicates that migration to the big cities often tends to be intra-regional. This tendency reflects migrants’ desire to remain closer to their homes. Examples include Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, which have a greater proportion of migrants from the South than from the North. Similarly, Kolkata has a significant share of its migrant population from Bihar and Jharkhand.
However, there are some noteworthy exceptions. There have been large outflows from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan to big cities leading to a significant presence of people from these three states in almost all the major cities across the country.
These patterns of migration within India reveal complex dynamics influenced by economic opportunities, social networks, and regional proximity. As India continues to urbanize, understanding these migratory flows will be critical to effective urban planning and social integration.
(Source: Business Line)