Rural-Urban Migration in the Indian Himalayan Region: Nature and Determinants in Ramban District of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

Rural-urban migration is an important livelihood and socio-economic process in mountain regions, where limited local opportunities often interact with aspirations for improved services and employment. This study examines the nature, patterns, and determinants of rural-urban migration in Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir. The analysis is based on primary data collected in 2024 from 300 migrant households through a structured household survey. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, mean score ranking, reliability testing, and chi-square analysis were used to examine the socio-demographic characteristics of migrants, the forms and destinations of migration, and the major push and pull factors influencing migration decisions. The findings show that migration among surveyed households is largely male-dominated, with males accounting for 72.0 percent of respondents. Most migrants belong to working-age groups, indicating the close association of migration with livelihood and income-related responsibilities. Temporary migration constituted 35.0 percent of cases, followed by permanent migration at 33.3 percent and seasonal migration at 31.7 percent. In terms of destination, 42.0 percent of migrants moved within the district, 37.0 percent to other districts, 15.7 percent outside the state, and 5.3 percent to other countries. Educational status was significantly associated with the nature of migration, as indicated by the chi-square result. The push factors with the highest mean scores were lack of employment opportunities, poor public facilities, low and irregular wages, poor agricultural income, and limited medical and educational facilities. Among the pull factors, access to better educational and medical facilities, improved job opportunities, better prospects for children, and stronger infrastructure were the most important. The study concludes that rural-urban migration in Ramban is shaped by both livelihood constraints in rural areas and aspirations for improved opportunities in urban centres.