Migration Dynamics in Bihar: Patterns, Drivers, and Socio-economic Implications

Shaziya Qayum; Dr. Swati Yadav

Migration Dynamics in Bihar: Patterns, Drivers, and Socio-economic Implications

Author(s)	Shaziya Qayum, Dr. Swati Yadav
Country	India
Abstract	Migration has emerged as a defining feature of Bihar’s socio-economic landscape, shaped by persistent regional disparities, agrarian constraints, and environmental vulnerability. Bihar remains one of India’s major source states of internal migration, supplying a large workforce to urban and industrial regions across the country. Understanding the dynamics of migration is therefore essential for informed regional planning and inclusive development. The objective of this study is to examine district-level migration patterns in Bihar, identify key socio-demographic, economic, and environmental drivers, and assess the socio-economic implications of migration in source regions. The study is based on secondary data obtained primarily from the Census of India (2001 and 2011), supplemented by NSSO/PLFS reports and relevant government publications. Methodologically, descriptive and comparative analyses have been employed, along with the calculation of a migration intensity index to classify districts into high, medium, and low migration categories. The findings indicate a significant increase in work-related, male-selective migration during 2001–2011, with migration largely originating from rural areas. High out-migration districts are concentrated mainly in north and central Bihar, where agricultural stagnation, unemployment, recurrent flooding, and limited non-farm employment opportunities act as strong push factors. While migration contributes positively through remittances and livelihood diversification, it also leads to labor shortages in agriculture, feminization of rural work, and social vulnerabilities. The study concludes that migration in Bihar is a structurally embedded livelihood strategy rather than a temporary response. Addressing migration-related challenges requires district-specific planning, employment generation within the state, effective flood management, and strengthened migrant welfare policies.
Keywords	Migration, Bihar, Livelihood strategies, Flood vulnerability, Regional disparities
Published In	Volume 17, Issue 1, January-March 2026
Published On	2026-02-19

View / Download PDF File

doi

CrossRef DOI is assigned to each research paper published in our journal.

IJSAT DOI prefix is
10.71097/IJSAT

Downloads

Research Paper Format Copyright Permission Form and Undertaking Form Cover Page Vol 16 Isu 3 Cover Page Vol 16 Isu 2 Cover Page Vol 16 Isu 1

All research papers published on this website are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and all rights belong to their respective authors/researchers.

CC-BY-SA

About IJSAT Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us	Message on WhatsApp	+91-9687-182-185	editor@ijsat.org

International Journal on Science and Technology

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Migration Dynamics in Bihar: Patterns, Drivers, and Socio-economic Implications

Share this