Q.11 Discuss the major factors responsible for migration of population into Assam and state its probable socio-economic consequences.
- 25,Oct 2024
- Posted By : SPM IAS Academy
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- APSC2023
- GS5
Migration into Assam has been a major demographic phenomenon, significantly shaping the state’s social and economic landscape. Assam, due to its geographical proximity to international borders, especially Bangladesh and Nepal, as well as other Indian states, has historically seen waves of migration. These migrations, driven by factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, and environmental factors, have profound socio-economic implications.
Major Factors Responsible for Migration into Assam:
A. Economic Opportunities:
- Assam’s agricultural sector, particularly in tea plantations, has long attracted migrant laborers. The tea industry, one of the largest employers in the state, historically sourced labor from regions like Bihar, West Bengal, and neighboring countries. Migrants seek better livelihood prospects, given the demand for labor-intensive jobs in Assam’s agricultural and industrial sectors.
B. Cross-Border Migration:
- The India-Bangladesh border has been a significant source of illegal immigration, particularly from Bangladesh. Factors such as poverty, overpopulation, and lack of economic opportunities in Bangladesh push many to migrate into Assam. According to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), migration from Bangladesh to India, including Assam, is driven by economic disparities and environmental stressors like flooding and cyclones.
- Historical events like the Partition of India (1947) and the Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) further exacerbated cross-border migration. Refugees fleeing persecution and instability found shelter in Assam, leading to long-term demographic changes.
C. Environmental Factors:
- Frequent floods and riverbank erosion along the Brahmaputra displace thousands of people annually within Assam, leading to internal migration. Additionally, climate-induced migration from Bangladesh into Assam is growing due to recurring floods, rising sea levels, and loss of arable land, as highlighted in UN reports on climate change and displacement.
- The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that environmental degradation, especially in coastal areas like Bangladesh, will continue to drive cross-border migration into neighboring regions like Assam.
D. Political Instability and Persecution:
- Assam has also seen migration from neighboring countries due to political persecution. For instance, the Chakma and Hajong refugees from Bangladesh, facing religious and political persecution, migrated to the region in the 1960s. Similar migration patterns are observed with Nepali-origin migrants due to political unrest in Nepal during various periods.
E. Intra-State Migration:
- In addition to cross-border migration, Assam witnesses significant intra-state migration due to rural-urban migration and the displacement caused by natural disasters. People move to urban centers like Guwahati seeking employment, education, and better living conditions.
Socio-Economic Consequences of Migration:
A. Demographic Changes and Strain on Resources:
- Migration has led to significant demographic changes, with the state’s population increasing dramatically, creating ethnic tensions. This has strained Assam’s infrastructure, healthcare, and education systems, as the growing population demands more services, but resources remain limited.
- According to Census data, Assam’s population has grown from 14.6 million in 1971 to over 31 million in 2021, much of which is attributed to migration.
B. Ethnic Tensions and Social Conflict:
- Migration, especially from Bangladesh, has led to rising ethnic tensions between indigenous communities and migrants. The Assam Movement (1979-1985), which culminated in the Assam Accord of 1985, was driven by local demands to address illegal immigration. Social conflicts have often erupted over issues like land rights, job opportunities, and cultural identity.
- Recent developments like the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are attempts to address the issue of migration, but they have sparked political and social tensions in Assam.
C. Economic Contributions:
- Migrants, particularly those working in the tea plantations and agricultural sectors, play a vital role in Assam’s economy by providing the necessary labor force. Their contributions to construction, small-scale industries, and transportation also support economic growth, though it comes with challenges of low wages and exploitation.
- However, as per NITI Aayog reports, migration also increases competition for local jobs, leading to rising unemployment and wage stagnation among native populations.
D. Cultural Impact:
- Migration has led to the diversification of Assam’s cultural landscape, introducing new languages, religions, and customs. While this adds to the cultural richness, it also fuels concerns about the dilution of Assamese identity, leading to resistance from local communities.
- Prominent Assamese scholar Hiren Gohain has emphasized that “migration is not just a political issue but also a cultural one,” as it challenges the traditional ethno-linguistic fabric of Assam.
E. Impact on Law and Order:
- The influx of migrants has contributed to rising issues related to law and order, including illegal settlements, identity politics, and communal violence. Border areas, in particular, are vulnerable to cross-border crime, smuggling, and conflicts over land ownership.
Migration into Assam, driven by economic, environmental, and political factors, has shaped the state’s demographic and socio-economic landscape. While migrants contribute significantly to Assam’s economy, the social tensions, resource strain, and ethnic conflicts resulting from migration highlight the need for balanced, inclusive policies. To ensure peace and prosperity, addressing these migration issues through long-term development planning and regional cooperation is critical.
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