NEW DELHI: In the Bihar Assembly elections, employment and the migration of Biharis have emerged as cen tral issues. Undoubtedly, mi gration is a subject deeply con nected to both the public and governance. It is expected that governments should address this problem. But does migra tion happen only out of compul sion? The reasons behind leav ing one’s home, village, town, state, or country vary rooted in personal needs, ambitions, and dreams. And how can we overlook the fact that those who go elsewhere for work, labour, education, or business not only improve their own lives but also contribute to their families and the socio-economic transforma tion of their regions through the money they send home?
This question goes beyond politics and elections. In Bihar, everyone agrees that closed in dustries must reopen, external investments must flow in, crime should be controlled, and cor ruption curtailed. But labeling those who go out to improve their lives as helpless or weak is hardly fair. These people play a crucial role in development wherever they go. Whether they are from Bihar or elsewhere, they add to the pride of their homeland. Indian doctors, engi neers, scientists, bankers, man agers, traders, and industrialists working across the world bring lasting benefits to the nation.
Bihar has a long tradition of migration not only within India but also abroad. Out of the total remittances coming into the country, about Rs 9.88 lakh crore, Bihar’s share is around Rs 14,800 crore. In rural Bi har, most families still depend on agriculture or limited forms of unorganised labour. Farm sizes are small, and industrial opportunities have been scarce. Thus, youth have had to seek work outside.
Studies show that around 80% of migrant families are landless or own less than one acre of land. Interestingly, 85% of migrants are at least matriculates, indicating that even educated youth migrate in search of temporary or perma nent employment. They travel to Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Gulf nations, working in construction, services, and fac tories. Another survey found that over 50% of rural families in Bihar have at least one migrant member.
The money sent back home by these migrants has had a deep impact on both the state economy and family life. Fami lies use remittances mainly for daily expenses, education, and healthcare. Studies indicate improvements in school atten dance, nutrition, and medical spending in households that receive remittances. Economic conditions, children’s education, and the family’s social standing have all improved.
Local labour markets have also changed. Migration has led to a modest rise in rural wages and shifts in work dynamics. Social structures and lifestyles have evolved too kuccha homes have turned into pucca ones, especially in districts like Go palganj and Siwan, where over 80% of the local economy now relies on remittances. Women, in particular, have gained new roles and confidence. Many opened bank accounts over 80% of women, according to reports. With husbands away, women began taking economic and social decisions indepen dently. Some returning mi grants brought back new skills and started enterprises in their hometowns.
According to the Reserve Bank of India, total remit tances into India stood at Rs 9.88 lakh crore in 2023-24. The Bihar government estimates that around 57 lakh Biharis live or work outside the state, with nearly 52 lakh migrating for employment combining both domestic and international movement. Comparative data shows that migration is not unique to Bihar. Kerala’s long-established migra tion to Gulf countries brings the state an estimated Rs 1.95 lakh crore annually. Tamil Nadu receives around Rs 1.02 lakh crore, while Maharashtra leads with Rs 2.02 lakh crore in remit tances every year. Gujarat, too, receives about Rs 3-4,580 crore.
Seen in this context, calling migration a mere curse seems unjust. Even a rickshaw puller or taxi driver working outside supports his family and later brings them to better living con ditions. Many return home after success, contributing to their native towns. Bihar today has 22 medical colleges and modern hospitals, improved roads, and expanding air and rail connectivity all signs of economic progress. The beautiful, new buildings and cars seen in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, and Gaya are not just gifts of government schemes but of the people themselves those who left, worked hard, and sent back the fruits of their labour.
Migration, then, is not simply a tale of loss; it is also one of aspiration, resilience, and trans formation
