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.

1. The EAC-PM is a key advisory body for India’s economic policy.
2. Bihar’s high SA/CA ratio indicates lower economic activity.
3. The PM Awaas Yojna-Gramin aimed to improve rural housing.
4. The contraction in migration has resulted in rural labour oversupply.
5. 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.

1. Rat-hole mining is primarily found in Meghalaya.
2. The NGT banned rat-hole mining due to safety concerns.
3. Side-cutting and box-cutting are two main mining techniques.
4. The coal seams are often less than 2 metres thick.
5. 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.

Assam Launches State Commission for Right to Public Services

 The Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services was recently launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati. The aim of the commission is to enhance accountability in public services. A manual detailing the appeal process for public service rights was also introduced, and the Commission’s official website was revealed to facilitate access to information.

Importance of Technology

Technology plays an important role in promoting accountability. The Chief Minister emphasized that good governance relies on citizens understanding their rights. Efficient service delivery is a government responsibility. The use of technology can streamline processes and improve transparency.

Madhya Pradesh was the first state in India to introduce the Right to Public Service Act in 2010. Assam followed with its version in 2012. The Act has been updated in 2019 and again in 2024 to enhance its effectiveness, which reflects the state’s commitment to improving public service delivery.

Seva Setu Platform

The Seva Setu platform classifies 725 services as citizen rights, which encompasses 64 government departments and three autonomous councils. The platform establishes clear timelines for service delivery. Since its launch, over 1.56 crore applications have been submitted, with a resolution rate exceeding 90%.

The Right to Public Service Act is now operational in 34 states. It works alongside the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Together, these laws empower citizens to access essential services and information effectively.

Leadership of the Commission

Sujoy Lal Thaosen, a retired IPS officer, has been appointed Chief Commissioner. Ranjan Kumar Chakraborty and Bimal C. Oswal will serve as members of the Commission. Their leadership is expected to drive the implementation of these reforms.

The Chief Minister urged officials to promote awareness about citizens’ rights. Active engagement with the public is essential for effective governance. Assam aims to set a benchmark for excellent service delivery.

Important Facts for Exams:

1. Seva Setu: Seva Setu is a digital platform in Assam. It classifies 725 services as citizen rights. The platform enhances transparency and efficiency in service delivery across various departments.
2. Right to Public Service Act: The Right to Public Service Act ensures timely access to government services. It originated in Madhya Pradesh in 2010. Assam adopted its version in 2012, with subsequent updates.

Significance of Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days in the US

 ‘Black Friday’ falls on Friday (November 29), a day after the US holiday of Thanksgiving. The day – usually associated with massive shopping sprees witnessed across the US driven by attractive discounts and deals – is not marked in many countries globally, but its idea has gradually spread.

In India too, brands like Amazon, Flipkart and PVR have begun offering discounts on the day. However, it has also been criticised on several counts. According to the Associated Press, at a protest of about 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers in New Delhi, Indian workers joined many Amazon workers globally in calling for higher wages, better working conditions, and union rights. Here is what to know about the day.

What is Black Friday?

Similar to how the months of October and November see discounts in India, given some major festivals (such as Dussehra and Diwali) take place around this time, festival shopping begins around the time of Black Friday in the US. Shoppers are attracted to bulk buys and discounts and they begin their Christmas shopping during this period.

Why is it called Black Friday?

There are different stories behind this. One view says it was to denote that companies were no longer “in the red” and instead doing well. But, according to Britannia, a more accurate version comes from the early 1960s, when police officers in the city of Philadelphia began using the phrase “Black Friday” to describe the chaos that resulted, when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping.

The huge crowds created a headache for the police, who worked longer shifts as they dealt with traffic jams, accidents, shoplifting, and other issues, as shoppers thronged. In the 1980s, Black Friday was described as the day stores began to turn a profit for the year and as the biggest shopping day in the United States, though by some figures that may be the period right before Christmas.

“In more recent years, Black Friday has been followed by other shopping holidays, including Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to visit local retailers, and Cyber Monday, which promotes shopping online. Giving Tuesday has also emerged to spur charitable donations,” according to the encyclopedia.

Black Friday’s global spread and criticism

With the success of Black Friday for companies, the idea has taken hold globally. Though not in November, many countries have their own versions of such sales. Companies like Amazon, which have operations on a large scale now, are also able to hold sales elsewhere with their expansion. But the global shift towards a more consumerist way of life has its critics. In the larger culture, Black Friday is associated with videos of chaos and even violence surfacing on social media, as shoppers resort to physical fights to secure special items on sale.

In recent years, many see Black Friday as a symbol of over-consumption that makes people buy products that are not needed, adding to waste generation and the increase in carbon footprint, simply because items are sold cheaper on one particular day.

Some years ago, activists in France staged Black Friday protests against Amazon, blaming the service for exacerbating climate change through its rapid deliveries when it introduced the concept of Black Friday sales to European markets.

The “Stop Black Friday” amendment in France was proposed around this time as part of an anti-waste Bill, which was put forward by France’s former environment minister Delphine Batho. The amendment proposed the integration of “Black Friday” advertising as part of “aggressive commercial practices” punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of €300,000. Amazon has also been accused of not providing safe working conditions for its employees during this time, particularly the workers involved in major logistics work and deliveries.

Source: Indian Express, 29/11/24