National Survey on Migration in India (2026–2027)

The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has announced a dedicated nationwide Survey on Migration. 

About the National Survey on Migration in India

• This survey will run from July 2026 to June 2027 and aims to collect fresh, detailed, and reliable data on migration trends across the country.
• This structured survey will update the understanding of internal migration in India, which plays a vital role in economic development and social planning.
• Objectives of the Survey: The survey seeks to generate comprehensive and updated statistics on migration patterns in India. It will focus on:
  • Extent and nature of migration (including rural–urban and inter-state movements).
  • Reasons behind migration.
  • Return migration and seasonal migration.
  • Employment and socio-economic profiles of migrants.
• These insights will help measure labour mobility, and related economic dynamics, filling gaps in existing data.

Significance and Policy Impact of the Survey

• The data from this survey will support evidence-based policymaking in several key areas:
  • Urban planning and housing.
  • Transport infrastructure.
  • Employment generation.
  • Social security measures.
  • Skill development programs.
• The survey will enable policymakers, planners, and development experts to design more effective interventions for migrants and host communities.

Previous Migration Data and Trends

• Migration surveys are conducted periodically by MoSPI. The most recent relevant data comes from:
  • Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–21.
  • Multiple Indicator Survey 2020–21.

Key findings from PLFS 2020–21

• Overall migration rate in India: 28.9%.
• Males: 10.7% migration rate.
• Females: 47.9% migration rate.
• Gender-Specific Reasons for Migration:
• • Among females: Marriage is the dominant reason, accounting for about 86.8% of all female migrants.
  • Among males: Employment (or search for better employment opportunities) is the primary driver, making up 22.8% of male migrants.

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Measures to Address Migration in India

• Rural Development Initiatives (to curb distress migration by boosting local opportunities)
  • Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM): Promotes self-help groups, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods (especially for women via initiatives like Lakhpati Didi).
  • Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB–G RAM G Act): Replaced MGNREGA, 2005. Key enhancements include a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually  with provisions for unemployment allowance, 
• Urban Resilience Initiatives (to manage influx and improve living conditions for migrants):
  • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Focuses on water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces in cities.
  • Smart Cities Mission: Develops 100+ cities with efficient services, technology-driven governance, and better urban planning to handle migration pressures through improved mobility, housing, and economic opportunities.
  • Transit-oriented Development (ToD): Promotes high-density, mixed-use development around public transport hubs to.
• Workers’ Welfare and Safety Net Measures (portable benefits for migrants):
• • Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PMSYM): Provides pension security for unorganized workers (including migrants) with contributions matched by the government.
  • Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY): Ensures free or subsidized food grains during crises, supporting vulnerable migrant families.
  • One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC): Allows interstate migrants to access subsidized food from any PDS shop nationwide.