“If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.”
Napoleon
“अगर आप चाहते हैं कि कोई चीज उत्कृष्ट तरीके से हो तो आप उसे खुद ही कीजिए।”
नेपोलियन
Tuesday, January 07, 2025
Quote of the Day January 7, 2025
Decline in Rural to Urban Migration in India
Recent data from a study titled ‘400 Million Dreams!’ by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) indicates decline in rural to urban migration in India. The report reveals a reduction of 5.4 million migrants, or 11.8 per cent, compared to 2011. This decline is attributed to various factors, including improved government services and better economic opportunities in rural areas.
Migration Trends Over the Years
The migration rate in India has decreased from 37.6 per cent in 2011 to 28.9 per cent in 2023. The number of workers migrating for economic reasons has fallen to 5 million, representing only 6.7 per cent of the workforce. This is a notable drop from 8.2 per cent in 1991 and 2001, and 9.3 per cent in 2011. The workforce has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8 per cent, while migration decreased at -1 per cent.
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Factors Influencing Migration Decline
The study suggests that improved government services, such as education and health, along with better infrastructure and connectivity, have contributed to the decline in migration. However, the reality of this assertion is questionable, as data shows a decrease in labour movement despite these improvements.
Evidence from Transport Data
Using railway ticket data, the report marks a 6.7 per cent decline in post-pandemic migration during peak months. Additionally, bus travel has seen a 16 per cent decline since FY11. The number of non-suburban railway passengers has also decreased, indicating a contraction in economic migration.
Urban-Rural Remittance Patterns
The report analyses savings account to current account (SA/CA) ratios to assess urban-rural remittances. Higher SA/CA ratios indicate areas with outbound migration, while lower ratios reflect high economic activity. Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi have lower ratios, suggesting greater economic activity compared to rural areas like Bihar, which has a high ratio of 10.14.
Rural Infrastructure and Migration
The claim that rural electrification has reduced migration is debated. Historical data shows minimal increases in electrification since FY01. The pace of rural housing construction under the PM Awaas Yojna-Gramin has also been modest, suggesting that improved infrastructure has not impacted migration trends.
Economic Slowdown and Migration
The report indicates that the decline in migration reflects a rising ruralisation trend rather than urbanisation. The dependence on agriculture has increased, leading to disguised unemployment and flat rural wages. The slowdown in economic activities and rising automation have contributed to this trend.
- The EAC-PM is a key advisory body for India’s economic policy.
- Bihar’s high SA/CA ratio indicates lower economic activity.
- The PM Awaas Yojna-Gramin aimed to improve rural housing.
- The contraction in migration has resulted in rural labour oversupply.
- Urbanisation previously drove migration during India’s economic liberalisation.
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Implications for Future Policies
The contraction in migration suggests a need for policies that support rural incomes through fiscal measures or employment-generating programmes. The stagnation in worker movement across various transport modes indicates a broader economic challenge that requires targeted interventions to stimulate growth and migration.
What is Rat-Hole Mining?
On January 6, 2025, several workers became trapped for over 12 hours in a coal “rat-hole” mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam. The mine was flooded, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Two motor pumps are currently at work to remove water from the mine, which is reportedly several hundred feet deep. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has stated that both the National Disaster Relief Force and the State Disaster Relief Force are on-site to assist in the rescue. Additionally, the Army’s help has been solicited.
What is Rat-Hole Mining?
Rat-hole mining is a traditional method used to extract coal from narrow seams. This technique is particularly common in Meghalaya. The term “rat hole” describes the small pits dug into the earth, which are just large enough for a miner to enter. Miners typically descend into these pits using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. They employ basic tools like pickaxes, shovels, and baskets for manual extraction.
Types of Rat-Hole Mining
There are two main types of rat-hole mining – side-cutting and box-cutting. In side-cutting, miners dig narrow tunnels on hill slopes until they locate the coal seam, which is often less than 2 metres thick. Box-cutting involves creating a rectangular opening, ranging from 10 to 100 square metres, before digging a vertical pit that can extend 100 to 400 feet deep. Once the coal seam is identified, horizontal tunnels are dug to facilitate coal extraction.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
Rat-hole mining presents numerous safety and environmental risks. These mines are typically unregulated, lacking essential safety measures such as proper ventilation and structural support. Workers often do not have access to safety gear. The mining process leads to land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution. Critics have condemned the practice due to hazardous working conditions and frequent accidents, resulting in injuries and fatalities. Despite regulatory efforts, rat-hole mining continues due to economic pressures and limited alternative livelihoods for local communities.
Legal Status of Rat-Hole Mining
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014, reaffirming the ban in 2015. The tribunal noted the numerous fatalities resulting from flooding in mining areas during the rainy season. The order specifically targeted Meghalaya, where this mining technique has been widespread. The state government subsequently appealed the NGT’s decision in the Supreme Court.
- Rat-hole mining is primarily found in Meghalaya.
- The NGT banned rat-hole mining due to safety concerns.
- Side-cutting and box-cutting are two main mining techniques.
- The coal seams are often less than 2 metres thick.
- Unregulated mining leads to severe environmental degradation.
Current Rescue Efforts
Rescue operations are ongoing, with multiple agencies involved. The slow pace of the operation has raised concerns among families of the trapped workers. The presence of water in the mine complicates the rescue, making it imperative to pump out water efficiently. Authorities are hopeful for a successful outcome as they continue to work diligently on the site.
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