In the last article we have discussed the various factors that leads to migration of different types. Here, we will discuss how to manage the ever increasing number of migration year by year. There can be more than one effective way to manage and reduce the number of migrating population but no single method will be  more effective than a combination of the approaches which we should adopt as planners and policy makers. Let’s discuss some of the methods for controlling migration. The most effective and time tested method is to provide more opportunities for the people who are more likely to migrate due to lack of enough live saving and sustaining support systems. The generation of more and more employment opportunities will surely pave the way for controlling the migration. Every able person most utilize his resources in the productive manners. In India, we are more saving oriented people than investment oriented people. If one opens up some venture then he not only support his family but also generate employment for the others. If every graduates from well renowned universities start their own venture rather than waiting for government jobs then India can generate enough employment opportunities not only for her citizen but also embark on the path of progress.

The employment guarantee schemes like MGNREGA is doing a good job but not sufficient enough to control the migration. The dream of the former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, to provide urban amenities in the rural areas is still dream for millions. The sporadic attempts by the state and centre government to provide such facilities under various schemes like Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission, Total Sanitation Scheme, Basic Services for Urban Poor etc. are falling to make any mark in the existing scenario of the majority of the areas of the country.

No law can control migration but development after all we are a democratic country and every citizen of the county has right to live in any part of the county and adopt any vocation for sustenance. The futile and politically motivated incidences of violence against the Biharis and people from North East India in Mumbai was an attempt to curb the migration. Such acts cannot solve the problem but defer it for some time. We have to search for measures that will solve this issue in long term in a effective manner.

If better educational and health facilities are provided in the rural areas than most of the well off families who migrate to urban areas can be retained in the rural economy for enhanced growth. New services industries can be promoted in the rural areas and the rural youths can be trained for such services which are usually undertaken by the migrated youths. The vocational training to the rural youth will also go a long way in resolving this issue.

The are endless measures that can be applied but the problem is that there are not enough innovative policy planners who think out of box. I feel then policy planners of Planning Commision does know the ground realities or they might be silenced by the political bosses who can survive in bare Rs 29 per day only in Parliament but not in any corner of India.

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma