An Analysis of Migration Patterns in Assam: Over A Decade

Abstract

Human migration is the process of a person or group of people moving from one geographic location to another and changing their habitual place of residence permanently or semi-permanently. With its rich natural resources and fertile terrain, Assam continues to draw a sizable number of migrants from both inside and beyond the nation. The mechanism and magnitude of immigration, interstate migration, and internal migration have all made substantial contributions to the state's shifting demographic composition throughout time. According to the 2011 Census, Assam had 7,64,619 interstate migrants (2.43 percent of the total population) and 1,27,231 immigrants (from outside India) (0.40 percent of the total population). In comparison, 98,74,993 people migrated within the state of Assam in 2011, making up 31.44 percent of the state's total population. These numbers show a significant increase in movement volume over the 2001 Census, which is indicative of the state's shifting socioeconomic conditions and migration patterns. The primary source of secondary data used in this study is the 2001 and 2011 Census of India volumes. In order to show the spatial variations in migration trends throughout the state, the data has been analyzed using relevant statistical methods and depicted using appropriate cartographic approaches.

Keywords: population distribution, internal migration dynamics, cross-border migration, spatial concentration of migrants