NSO Announces Countrywide Migration Survey to Update Migration Data

The National Statistics Office (NSO) has announced a nationwide Survey on Migration, scheduled from July 2026 to June 2027. With rapid urbanization, labour mobility and seasonal movement increasing across states, the government aims to generate updated and comprehensive migration data. The findings are expected to guide future decisions on urban planning, employment, housing and social protection, making this survey highly relevant for current affairs and competitive exams.

What Is the NSO Migration Survey?

• The proposed survey aims to collect fresh and detailed data on migration patterns across India.
• It will capture information on rural–urban migration, inter-state movement, seasonal and return migration, and the reasons behind migration.
• Unlike routine labour surveys, this dedicated exercise will provide a holistic picture of population mobility, reflecting social, economic and employment-related dimensions of migration.

Key Areas the Survey Will Cover

• The survey will focus on the extent and nature of migration, including who migrates, where they move, and why.
• It will also study the employment profile of migrants, helping assess how migration is linked to job opportunities.
• Special attention will be given to temporary, circular and seasonal migration, which often remains underreported but plays a crucial role in India’s informal economy.

Why the Data Is Important for Policy

• According to the government, the data generated will support evidence-based policymaking.
• It will help planners design better interventions in urban infrastructure, housing, transport systems, employment generation, skill development and social security.
• With cities under pressure and labour mobility rising, accurate migration data is essential for balanced regional development and welfare planning.

What Earlier Surveys Reveal About Migration

• Migration surveys are not new. The most recent data came from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–21 and the Multiple Indicator Survey 2020–21.
• According to PLFS 2020–21, India’s overall migration rate was 28.9%, highlighting the scale of internal migration in the country.
• These figures now need updating in light of post-pandemic economic changes.

Gender Dimension of Migration in India

• Earlier data revealed stark gender differences in migration.
• The migration rate among males was 10.7%, while it stood at 47.9% among females.
• Among women, marriage was the dominant reason, accounting for 86.8% of female migration.
• In contrast, employment and better job opportunities were the leading drivers for male migration at 22.8%.
• The upcoming survey is expected to reassess whether these patterns are changing.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. The nationwide migration survey announced for 2026-27 will be conducted by which body?

A. NITI Aayog
B. Registrar General of India
C. National Statistics Office
D. Labour Bureau