Labour Migration in Odisha
A District-Level Analysis Using PLFS 2020–21
Keywords:
Labour migration, Internal migration, Migration patterns, District-level analysis, Odisha, PLFS 2020-21Abstract
Labour migration has emerged as an important livelihood strategy in Odisha, reflecting spatial disparities in employment opportunities and regional development. Despite its significance, evidence on district-level labour migration patterns within the state remains limited. This study examines labour migration across the 30 districts of Odisha using unit-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020-21. The analysis is restricted to the working-age population (15-64 years) and employs descriptive statistical methods to estimate district-wise migration rates, migration streams, and migration destinations. The findings reveal considerable spatial variation in labour migration across Odisha, with an overall migration rate of 41.68 per cent and slightly higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Districts such as Kandhamal, Baleshwar, Koraput, Khordha, and Baudh exhibit relatively high migration rates, whereas Jharsuguda, Debagarh, Sambalpur, and Puri record comparatively lower levels. Rural-to-rural migration is the dominant migration stream, accounting for 70.71 per cent of internal labour migration, while 91.28 per cent of internal migrants move within Odisha, indicating the predominance of intra-state mobility. Although overall migration rates are relatively similar across social groups, rural-urban differences are more pronounced, with STs recording relatively higher migration in rural areas and OBCs in urban areas. Moreover, the share of inter-state migration is relatively higher among ST and OBC migrants. Several districts, including Rayagada, Kalahandi, Subarnapur, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Gajapati, Malkangiri, and Koraput, also exhibit relatively high levels of inter-state migration. The study highlights substantial district-level disparities in labour migration and underscores the need for region-specific employment and development policies to strengthen local livelihood opportunities, reduce regional inequalities, and promote balanced labour mobility across Odisha.
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