Migration Emerging as Key Driver of Social Development in Odisha: NCDS Study

Bhubaneswar, December 20: Migration in Odisha is no longer limited to a labour-market phenomenon but is increasingly influencing social development, wellbeing and regional growth, according to a study conducted by the Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies (NCDS), Bhubaneswar.

The findings were presented at a one-day seminar on “Regional Differences in Migration Pattern, Adaptation Behaviour and Wellbeing in Odisha,” where NCDS Director Prakash Chandra Mohanty highlighted insights from a survey covering more than 650 households across the state. He said the study analyses regional variations in migration patterns, adaptation strategies and wellbeing outcomes.

“Migration is not a problem to be solved; it is an opportunity to improve lives, strengthen social security and empower families,” Mohanty said, while also drawing attention to the challenges faced by older persons and children left behind. He underlined the structural nature of forced migration and called for human-centred, region-specific policy responses.

The seminar brought together senior government officials, scholars and researchers to discuss inclusive and actionable migration policies. Project Director and Associate Professor at NCDS, Sandhya Rani Mahapatro, presented research that reframes migration as a multidimensional wellbeing issue, extending beyond economic aspects to include social, emotional and health dimensions.

Based on field evidence, Mahapatro showed that while migrants and their families display resilience and adaptability, they remain vulnerable without adequate institutional support. She emphasised that targeted interventions in social security, housing, health and livelihoods can create transformative outcomes for migrants and their source communities.

Mahapatro noted that regional inequalities in migration trajectories highlight the need for migrant-sensitive policies aligned with local realities. Her forthcoming report, to be submitted to the ICSSR and the Odisha government, is expected to offer practical policy guidance to ensure migration strengthens communities rather than strains them.

Labour Commissioner of Odisha, Indramani Tripathy, said the state government is taking steps to make migration safer and more rewarding. He outlined initiatives such as a toll-free helpline (18003456703), help desks in destination states, portability of welfare schemes and the development of a comprehensive migrant database.

Prof. S.I. Rajan, Chairman of the International Institute of Migration and Development, stressed the importance of robust data for evidence-based policymaking, while Prof. U.S. Mishra of the Centre for Development Studies, Kerala, noted that migration is a mutually reinforcing process linking source and destination regions.

The seminar concluded on an optimistic note, highlighting Odisha’s potential to emerge as a model state in leveraging migration for inclusive growth, resilience and improved social wellbeing.