FACTORS CAUSING MIGRATION IN KARNATAKA

Age and gender factors

• Based on analysis of trends between 2011–2021
• Highest inflow of working-age population (15–64 years) - possibly owing to the diverse employment opportunities
• Also in recent years, Migration patterns in Karnataka have mainly been observed in two age groups: 1–4 years and 5–14 years, suggesting household relocations driven by the pursuit of improved healthcare and education facilities.
• Gender disaggregation of the population shows a male-dominated migration trend, reinforcing the traditional role of men as primary breadwinners who relocate to financially support their families

Geographical factors

• Distinct outflow from the agrarian districts of North Karnataka, such as Raichur and Kalaburagi, to the coastal and southern regions, such as Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Bengaluru
• North Karnataka faces climate vulnerability due to its dependence on rainfed agriculture in a dry agro-climatic zone. The region has experienced unpredictable monsoons, droughts, floods, and other climate extremes in recent years
• Migration patterns reveal an aspect of climate adaptation, where women and the elderly are less mobile in response to these climate challenges.
• The migration from north to south Karnataka is also influenced by job opportunities, as seen prominently in 2020

Climate and urbanization interplay

• The interplay between climate and urbanization in Karnataka is quite evident
• Extreme climate events over the past decade have disrupted normal temperature and rainfall patterns, impacting agricultural production
• In 2023, the state witnessed a monsoon deficiency of 34%, increasing the risk of extreme drought conditions
• Rural communities, being more vulnerable to such climate risks, often seek refuge in urban areas.

WAY FORWARD

• Balanced Rural-Urban Interdependencies
  • India has a large population share but a relatively smaller urban share globally.
  • Urbanization-driven migration strains urban infrastructure and resources, increasing urban poverty risk.
• Prioritizing Self-Reliance and Sustainability
  • Emphasize self-reliance and sustainability in rural areas for food security and basic facilities aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to transform rural areas into entrepreneurial hubs for local production and employment.
• Decentralized Approach to Climate Action
  • Adopt a decentralized approach considering intra-regional differences in Karnataka.
  • Give districts autonomy to collaborate for holistic solutions to coerced rural migration, addressing governance and infrastructural development needs.
  • Research and development efforts required for understanding spatial inequality and migration impacts, needing updated state-level census data.
• Regenerating Rural Economy
  • Paramount to regenerate rural economy amidst climate-induced and urbanization-driven migration.
  • Promote balanced rural-urban interdependencies for sustainable development.
  • Invest in natural resource conservation and rural infrastructure for equitable growth and maintaining migration balance.