CHANGING PATTERN OF INTER-STATES IN-MIGRATION TO WEST BENGAL: CENSUS 2001-2011

This paper attempts to understand the pattern of the change of in-migration to West Bengal from different states of India. Inter-state migration flow to West Bengal is an old and essential phenomenon from the times of pre-independence periods. The total population of West Bengal in 2001 was about 80 million, and in 2011 the population increased to 91million persons. During the same period, it is observed that total in-migrants declined slightly from 2.45 million persons in 2001 to 2.38 million persons. The Study's objective is to examine the pattern of inter-state in-migration to West Bengal during 2001-2011 censuses and analyze the reasons and duration of stay of in-migration by the age-sex groups. The primary source of the Study is the census of India 2001 and 2011 (D2 & D5 Tables) based on place of last residence (POLR). The analysis includes computation of rate, ratio, and the result are shown by graphs and maps using ArchMap10.3.1 software. Significant findings include changing the pattern of inter-state in-migration by POLR between North 24 Parganas and Kolkata, indicating a flow decline pattern. The top ten major states in India send enormous numbers of migrants (94.33% in 2001 and 94.30% in 2011), the working-age groups have quite diminished as in-migrants in the past ten years. Bihar and Jharkhand sent the most prominent migrants to West Bengal. The Study feels that to attract the migrants again back, West Bengal would require a new regional developmental strategy to regain its old status as one important destination for in-migrants.