NSO plans to conduct survey on migration, first since 2007-08

NEW DELHI: National Statistics Office (NSO) plans to conduct a survey on migration which aims to generate reliable estimates on migration rates, reasons for migration, short-term migration, and other related characteristics of households and individuals across country.Detailed information gathered during the survey will benefit policymakers, planners, researchers, and development practitioners by enabling more targeted interventions in areas such as urban planning, housing, transportation, employment generation, social security, and skill development.Geographical coverage of the survey will be the entire country except villages in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are difficult to access.The survey period is one year, from July 2026 to June 2027, according to the concept note. The survey is expected to provide comprehensive and up-to-date data on the extent and patterns of migration - both rural-urban & inter-state - along with reasons for migration, duration of stay, return migration, employment and income profiles of migrants, & impact of migration on households left behind. "The results will be instrumental in understanding labour mobility, urbanisation trends, remittance flows, and social and economic integration of migrant populations," said an official statement.

Migration surveys have been conducted by National Sample Survey since the 9th round (1955), with rounds such as the 18th (1963-64) and 64th (2007-08) collecting detailed information on various aspects of migration.