Write a note on: Reasons for migration

Answer: Migration takes place because of push factors at the place of origin and pull factors at the destination.

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another for a long period or permanently.

• Economic: unemployment, low wages, poverty and lack of land push people out; jobs in industries and services and higher wages in cities pull them. This is the most important reason.
• Social: marriage (the main reason for female migration in India), joining family, education and better health facilities.
• Physical / natural: floods, droughts, earthquakes, cyclones, soil erosion and harsh climate force people to move; a pleasant climate and fertile land attract them.
• Political: wars, riots, persecution and partition create refugees, e.g. Syrian refugees; government resettlement schemes also cause migration.
• Demographic: high population pressure on land in rural areas.
• Cultural / religious: pilgrimage, religious freedom and cultural ties.