Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Migration: Types, Causes and Consequences

NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Migration: Types, Causes and Consequences

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 NCERT Textbook Questions Solved

Question 1. Choose the right answers from the following options:

Question 1.(i)

Which one of the following is the main reason for male migration in India?
(a) Education
(b) Business
(c) Work and employment
(d) Marriage

Answer: (c) Work and employment

Question 1.(ii)

Which one of the following states receives the maximum number of immigrants?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Delhi
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Bihar

Answer: (c) Maharashtra

Question 1.(iii)

Which one of the following streams is dominated by male migrants in India?
(a) Rural-rural
(b) Urban-rural
(c) Rural-urban
(d) Urban-Urban

Answer: (c) Rural-urban

Question 1.(iv)

Which one of the following urban agglomerations has the highest share in migrant population?
(a) Mumbai UA
(b) Delhi UA
(c) Bangalore UA
(d) Chennai UA

Answer: (a) Mumbai UA

Question 2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words:

Question 2.(i)

Differentiate between life-time migrant and migrant by last residence.

Answer:
Census data categorizes migration in two ways:
Life-time migrant: Based on the place of birth.
Migrant by last residence: Based on the most recent place of residence before migration.

Question 2.(ii)

Identify the main reason for male/female selective migration.

Answer:
Work and employment are the primary reasons for male migration (38%). For female migration, it is often linked to marriage, especially in states with matriarchal systems like Meghalaya.

Question 2.(iii)

What is the impact of rural-urban migration on the age and sex structure of the place of origin and destination?

Answer:
Rural-urban migration redistributes populations. Rural areas face gender imbalance and a higher dependent population, as many working-age males migrate. Urban areas see more male migrants, disturbing the sex ratio and increasing crimes against women.

Question 3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words:

Question 3.(i)

Discuss the consequences of international migration in India.

Answer:
India has seen both immigration and emigration play significant roles in its population dynamics.
Emigration: India has over 20 million people in the diaspora. Emigrants send remittances, which are crucial for regions like Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. While this brings in foreign exchange, it also leads to a brain drain as skilled professionals leave. Socially, emigrants bring new ideas but may also face alienation in their host countries.
Immigration: Immigrants, mainly from neighboring countries, often migrate illegally, contributing to overcrowding and pressure on infrastructure in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This influx increases competition for jobs, drives up unemployment, and places a strain on government resources. The socio-economic burden can lead to conflict between immigrants and locals, and gender imbalances as male migrants dominate.

Question 3.(ii)

What are the social-demographic consequences of migration?

Answer:
Migration impacts both social and demographic structures:
Demographic Consequences: Migration causes population redistribution. In rural areas, male out-migration leaves behind a higher proportion of dependents (females, children, elderly), creating imbalances in age-sex ratios. In urban areas, an influx of working-age males leads to unfavorable sex ratios and increased social challenges for women, including higher crime rates.
Social Consequences: Migrants often diffuse new ideas like technology, family planning, and education. While migration fosters cultural exchange, it can also lead to social alienation and identity loss. In rural areas, women may assume greater economic and domestic responsibility due to male migration. Urban migration causes tensions between migrants and locals, especially in areas facing high unemployment and crime rates.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 NCERT Extra Questions

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Define “Indian Diaspora.”

Answer:
The Indian Diaspora refers to the people who migrated from regions that are now part of the Republic of India. It also includes their descendants who live outside of India.

Question 2. Give one state each with dominating push and pull factors.

Answer:
Push Factor Dominated State: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
Pull Factor Dominated State: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana

Question 3. How do we determine whether a person is a migrant?

Answer:
A person is considered a migrant if their place of birth and place of residence are different.

Question 4. Name the regions from which early migrants came to India in early history.

Answer:
Early migrants to India came primarily from West and Central Asia and South-East Asia.

Question 5. Name few countries where Indian migrants settled over time.

Answer:
Indian migrants have settled in various countries, including:
Mauritius, Caribbean Islands, Fiji, South Africa (under the Girmit Act)
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and African countries
USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany

Question 6. Name any four components of migration recorded in the census of India.

Answer:
The four components of migration recorded in the Census of India are:
1. Place of birth
2. Duration of residence at place of enumeration
3. Place of last residence
4. Reasons for migration

Question 7. Why is the male migration higher from rural to urban areas?

Answer:
Male migration from rural to urban areas is primarily driven by job opportunities. Men migrate to urban areas to secure better employment and improve living standards for their families.

Question 8. Name the countries from which people have migrated to India.

Answer:
According to the Census 2001, over 5 million people migrated to India, predominantly from neighboring countries such as:
Bangladesh (3 million)
Nepal (0.5 million)
Other migrants include refugees from Tibet, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Myanmar.

Question 9. Name the state having the largest number of in-migrants and out-migrants.

Answer:
In-migrants: Maharashtra
Out-migrants: Uttar Pradesh

Question 10. Explain the main cause of rural to rural migration and rural to urban migration.

Answer:
Rural to Rural Migration: The primary cause is marriage, which accounts for a large portion of female migration.
Rural to Urban Migration: The primary cause is work and employment, particularly among males, seeking better job opportunities in urban areas.

Question 11. Name emigrant and immigrant states of India.

Answer:
Emigrant States: Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have the highest number of people migrating out of India.
Immigrant States: Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana are major destinations for migrants from other states. Maharashtra, in particular, receives a large number of in-migrants.

Question 12. People are emotionally attached to their birthplaces, still they leave them. Why?

Answer:
People often leave their birthplaces due to push factors such as:
Lack of basic infrastructure
Health and education facilities
Natural disasters like floods, droughts, earthquakes, and social pressures, including war or conflict, compel them to migrate.

Question 13. Migration leads to intermixing of people from diverse cultures. Clarify.

Answer:
Migration encourages the intermixing of people from different cultures, leading to the creation of a composite culture. Migrants bring new technologies, ideas, and practices. For example, girl’s education has gained importance due to migration from urban to rural areas, fostering broader social change.

Question 14. Explain the problems that arise in urban areas due to migration.

Answer:
Urban areas face several challenges due to migration, including:
Overcrowding and the development of slums
Excessive strain on natural resources leading to land degradation, air and water pollution, and sewage problems
Pressure on public infrastructure, such as transportation, healthcare, and sanitation.

Question 15. Explain the demographic problems that arise due to migration.

Answer:
Migration leads to the redistribution of populations, which impacts both rural and urban demographic structures:
Rural to Urban Migration: Causes rapid population growth in cities and shifts the age-sex composition, with a higher proportion of working-age males.
Rural Areas: Face brain drain, with skilled workers migrating to cities, leaving behind an older and dependent population.
Urban Areas: Experience overcrowding, leading to gender imbalances and a higher burden on resources, increasing social challenges.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Short Answer Type Questions.

Question 1. Define migration. What are the bases of enumeration?

Answer:
Migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another in search of better opportunities with the intention to settle. In the Census of India, migration is enumerated on two main bases:
1. Place of Birth: If a person’s place of birth is different from the place of enumeration, they are classified as a life-time migrant.
2. Place of Residence: If a person’s place of last residence differs from their place of enumeration, they are classified as a migrant by place of last residence.

Question 2. What are the causes of migration?

Answer:
Migration occurs when people leave their place of birth or residence in search of better opportunities, with or without their family. The causes of migration are categorized into two factors:
1. Push Factors: These are factors that force people to leave their place of origin, such as lack of opportunities, poor living conditions, or adverse environmental conditions.
2. Pull Factors: These are factors that attract people to a new location, such as better job opportunities, better living standards, or improved socio-economic conditions.
In most cases, pull factors are more dominant at the destination, while push factors prevail at the place of origin.

Question 3. Write a note on spatial migration within India.

Answer:
In India, spatial migration varies significantly across regions. States like Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana attract migrants from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, etc. For example, Maharashtra recorded the highest number of in-migrants, with 2.3 million net in-migrants, followed by Delhi, Gujarat, and Haryana.
On the other hand, states such as Uttar Pradesh (-2.6 million) and Bihar (-1.7 million) had the largest number of net out-migrants.
Among urban agglomerations, Greater Mumbai received the highest number of in-migrants, with intra-state migration making up the largest share. These migration patterns largely depend on factors such as the size of the state and urban agglomeration.

Question 4. What are the streams of migration? Why is it important?

Answer:
Migration can be categorized into four main streams:
1. Rural to Rural
2. Rural to Urban
3. Urban to Rural
4. Urban to Urban
Migration is essential as it helps to balance the distribution of population and resources. People migrate to improve their living standards by moving to areas with better opportunities, facilitated by push and pull factors working together.

Question 5. Statistics were collected on migration since the first survey but many modifications have been introduced since then. Explain.

Answer:
Migration data collection began with the first Census of India in 1881, which recorded migration based on place of birth. Several modifications were introduced over time:
1. 1961 Census: Introduced components such as place of birth (village or town) and duration of residence (if born elsewhere).
2. 1971 Census: Added place of last residence and duration of stay at the place of enumeration.
3. 1981 Census and beyond: Included information on reasons for migration and continued to refine the methodology in subsequent Censuses.

Question 6. Which urban agglomeration of India has the highest share of migrant population? Why?

Answer:
Greater Mumbai has the highest share of the migrant population. This is primarily due to:
1. Employment Opportunities: Mumbai is an economic hub with abundant job prospects.
2. Urbanization and Industrialization: Mumbai’s rapid industrial growth attracts people seeking better livelihoods.
3. Relatively Higher Wages: Migrants are attracted by the prospect of higher earnings in urban areas.
4. Better Educational and Civic Amenities: Mumbai offers better facilities such as education, healthcare, and other infrastructure, making it a top destination for migrants.
These factors make it the prime destination for both internal and external migrants.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why do people migrate?

Answer:
People migrate due to various reasons, including the push factors that make their current location less attractive and pull factors that make a new location more appealing.
Push factors: These include factors such as unemployment, poor living conditions, political instability, unfavorable climate, natural disasters, epidemics, and socio-economic backwardness.
Pull factors: These include better job opportunities, higher wages, better living conditions, peace, stability, security, and favorable climate.
Migration reasons differ by gender: For males, work and employment are the primary drivers, while marriage is the dominant reason for female migration, especially in rural areas, except in places like Meghalaya.

Question 2. What are the consequences of migration?

Answer:
Migration has significant consequences across economic, social, cultural, political, and demographic spheres:
Economic Consequences:
– Remittances sent by migrants, especially from international migration, provide a crucial source of foreign exchange and support for regions like Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
– Unregulated migration has led to overcrowding in urban areas, causing slums and resource strain.
– Development of slums in industrialized regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu is a negative outcome.
Demographic Consequences:
– Migration redistributes the population, especially in cities, contributing to urban population growth.
– Rural-urban migration causes imbalanced age and sex composition. Rural areas often lose working-age males, leaving behind dependent populations.
Social Consequences:
– Migration leads to the exchange of new ideas related to technology, education, and family planning.
– It promotes cultural integration, but also risks identity loss and depression, leading to anti-social behavior like crime and drug abuse.
– Increased pressure on women in rural areas due to male migration. Women often take on both domestic and economic duties, impacting their workload.
Environmental Consequences:
– Overcrowding in cities leads to unsustainable urban growth, pollution, water scarcity, and depletion of resources.

Question 3. What description is found in the Indian diaspora? What are its implications?

Answer:
The Indian diaspora has evolved through three waves:
First Wave (Colonial Period):
Millions of indentured laborers were sent to Mauritius, Caribbean Islands, Fiji, and South Africa under the Girmit Act by the British to work on plantations.
Second Wave:
Skilled workers, artisans, and traders migrated to Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand) and Africa in search of economic opportunities.
Third Wave:
Professionals such as doctors, engineers, and software engineers migrated to USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and Germany. These migrants are highly educated and contribute significantly to the economy.
Implications:
– Brain Drain: The outflow of skilled professionals contributes to a scarcity of highly qualified human resources in India, reinforcing underdevelopment in the source regions.
– Contribution to Destination Countries: The Indian diaspora has played a significant role in the development of their host countries, contributing through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Question 4. What are economic consequences of migration?

Answer:
Economic consequences of migration include:
Remittances:
Remittances from international migrants are a key source of foreign exchange for countries like India, especially from Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Internal migrants also contribute, though to a lesser extent, aiding the local economy through expenditures on food, education, marriages, and construction.
Migration’s Role in Agricultural Development:
Migration from rural areas to agriculturally developed regions like Punjab and Haryana has supported the Green Revolution, aiding the growth of the agricultural sector.
Overcrowding and Slums:
Unregulated internal migration to metropolitan cities has led to the growth of slums in industrialized regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, putting a strain on urban infrastructure.
Loss of Skilled Labor:
Brain drain causes a loss of highly skilled professionals, which negatively impacts the local economy and slows development in source regions.
These factors highlight the multifaceted economic impact of migration, both positive and negative.

Class 12 Geography Chapter 2 Important Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. Name the process of migration from the plain areas to pastures on mountains during summers and again from mountain pastures to plain areas during winter.

Answer:
This type of migration is called Transhumance. It refers to the seasonal movement of people with their livestock between lowland areas in winter and mountain pastures in summer.

Question 2. In which stream of migration is the number of intra-state migrants the largest in India?

Answer:
The largest number of intra-state migrants in India is found in the Rural to Rural migration stream. This is primarily due to social factors, such as marriage, and economic activities like agriculture.

Question 3. Name the ‘urban agglomeration’ having the highest share of immigrant population.

Answer:
Greater Mumbai has the highest share of immigrant population in India. The city’s rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and employment opportunities attract a significant number of migrants from different parts of India.

Question 4. Why do people migrate in large numbers from rural to urban areas in India?

Answer:
People migrate from rural to urban areas in India mainly due to poverty, high population pressure on land, and a lack of basic infrastructure such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in rural areas. Urban areas offer better economic prospects and living standards, which drive this migration trend.

Short Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. What is migration? Explain any four factors responsible for the migration of people in India.

Answer:
Migration is the movement of people from one place to another with the intention of settling temporarily or permanently in a new location.
Four factors responsible for migration in India:
1. Availability of regular work and higher wages – The opportunity for better employment in urban areas attracts many people from rural areas.
2. High population pressure on land – In rural areas, limited land availability due to overpopulation forces people to migrate in search of more space and resources.
3. Natural disasters – Events such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, or wars often displace people, leading to migration to safer areas with better living conditions.
4. Better opportunities for education and healthcare – Urban areas offer better educational facilities, healthcare services, and sources of entertainment, which motivate people, especially the youth, to migrate.

Question 2. Explain the causes of migration of unskilled migrants from rural to urban areas in India and their sufferings.

Answer:
Causes of migration of unskilled migrants from rural to urban areas:
1. Poverty – Many unskilled workers migrate to urban areas in search of employment opportunities to escape poverty and improve their livelihoods.
2. High population pressure on the land – Limited agricultural land and poor agricultural productivity in rural areas compel people to seek opportunities in cities.
3. Lack of basic infrastructure – Rural areas often lack essential infrastructure, including healthcare, education, and other basic services, driving people to urban areas in search of better living conditions.
4. Availability of regular work and relatively higher wages – Urban areas often offer regular employment and higher wages, making them attractive for unskilled migrants seeking better economic opportunities.
Sufferings of unskilled migrants:
1. Absence of family support – Many migrants, particularly those moving alone, face loneliness and anxiety without the support of their family members.
2. Humiliation – Migrants often face discrimination, exploitation, and poor working conditions, especially in the informal sector where they may not have legal protection.
3. Overcrowded living conditions – Migrants often live in slums or informal settlements with poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and overcrowded living spaces, impacting their quality of life.

Long Answer Type Questions:

Question 1. How is migration a response to the uneven distribution of opportunities over a space? Explain the economic consequences of migration in India.

Answer:
Migration as a Response to Uneven Distribution of Opportunities:
Migration occurs as a natural response to the uneven distribution of opportunities across different regions. People tend to move from areas where opportunities are limited and conditions are unfavorable to places that offer better prospects, such as economic opportunities, improved living standards, and better safety. This leads to the redistribution of the population, as individuals and families seek regions that offer better employment, education, healthcare, and security.
In India, migration is particularly driven by disparities in resources, economic opportunities, and living conditions between rural and urban areas, and between states. Regions with low economic activity, poor infrastructure, or environmental challenges, such as droughts or floods, often witness high out-migration, while regions with growing industrialization, better healthcare, education, and infrastructure, like metropolitan areas, attract migrants.
Economic Consequences of Migration in India:
Remittances to Source Regions:
One of the most significant economic benefits for source regions is the remittance sent by migrants. This money often supports families left behind in rural areas and provides a vital source of income. These remittances are crucial for improving living standards, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall economy of the origin regions. States like Punjab, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu benefit greatly from these remittances, as their international migrants contribute substantial amounts of money, significantly impacting the local economy.
Contribution to National Foreign Exchange:
Remittances from international migrants serve as a major source of foreign exchange for India. The significant flow of funds from countries like the USA, Canada, Middle Eastern countries, and other regions strengthens India’s foreign reserves. This has been particularly important for the economic stability of the country.
Internal Migration and Local Economic Growth:
Internal migration, though smaller in terms of remittance amounts compared to international migration, also plays an important role in the economic growth of the destination areas. Migrants contribute to the workforce in cities and urban areas, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, and services. They help meet the labor demand in these growing economies, driving development in the cities and towns they migrate to. Additionally, migrants often send a part of their earnings back to their home regions, which helps in local development.