Using the 2001 Census data, this paper analyses district-level rural-to-urban migration rates (both intra-state and inter-state) among males and females separately. Though many of the relatively poor and backward states actually show large population mobility, male migration is also prominent in the relatively high-income states. Rural women, on the other hand, usually migrate within the boundaries of the states. The social networks effects are prevalent among the short-distance migrants, and the North/South divide in the Indian context is indeed a significant phenomenon, with the exception of a few metropolitan cities. Looking at the effect of factors at the place of destination, prospects for better job opportunities are a major determinant of male migration. Low castes, minority groups and women show network effects. The paper finally brings out the effect of migration on health. © Pier Professional Ltd.

poverty 2001 Census Rural-to-urban migration Gender

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