Unraveling Internal Migration in India: Insights into Bilateral Flows and Socioeconomic Determinants from the 2011 Census

Abinash Bauri, Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, India
JIBANBANDHU GAYAK, Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, India
Khalid Khan, Research Scholar, Department of Geography, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, India

This study examines the determinants of out-migration in India, focusing on economic, demographic, socio-cultural, and infrastructure development factors. The analysis is based on secondary data from the 2011 Census of India, using descriptive statistics such as percentages, correlation matrices, and pairwise correlations. Data visualizations, including Chord diagrams, Parallel plots, Sankey diagrams, and Correlation plots, help explore migration patterns. The study identifies Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh as the top migration-originating states, while Maharashtra, NCT of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Haryana are the largest migrant-receiving regions. Male migration is primarily driven by employment, with the highest numbers in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh. In contrast, marriage is the dominant reason for female migration, with Uttar Pradesh showing the highest rates. Correlation results reveal that birth, death, and infant mortality rates are positively related to out-migration, while literacy and workforce participation rates negatively influence migration. Additionally, infrastructure factors like access to tap water, electricity, and the lack of latrine facilities in rural households significantly impact out-migration trends.

Keywords: Census data, Data and Methods, Data visualisation , Internal Migration and Urbanization

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