India to Conduct Nationwide Migration Survey from July 2026: NSO Initiative

Nationwide Migration Survey Announced

The National Statistics Office (NSO) will conduct a comprehensive Survey on Migration across India from July 2026 to June 2027 . The exercise aims to generate updated, granular, and nationally representative data on migration patterns to strengthen the evidence base for policymaking in areas closely linked to population mobility and labour markets.

The survey will be carried out under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) .

Scope and Objectives of the Migration Survey

The survey will capture detailed information on the extent, nature, and characteristics of migration in India. Key dimensions include:

• Rural–urban and urban–rural migration

• Inter-state and intra-state movement

• Seasonal, circular, and return migration

• Socio-economic and employment profiles of migrants

In addition, the survey will systematically document reasons for migration , such as employment, education, marriage, and other social or economic factors.

Policy Relevance and Data Applications

According to the Ministry, the data generated will be crucial for policymakers, planners, researchers, and development agencies . Reliable migration statistics support evidence-based decision-making in:

• Urban planning and housing

• Transport and civic infrastructure

• Employment generation and labour market reforms

• Social security portability and welfare delivery

• Skill development and workforce planning

Accurate migration data is especially important for managing urbanisation pressures and ensuring inclusive access to public services for migrant populations.

Earlier Migration Data and Trends

Migration-related data has been periodically generated through national surveys. The most recent datasets are from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–21 and the Multiple Indicator Survey 2020–21 .

As per PLFS 2020–21, India’s overall migration rate was 28.9% , highlighting the scale of population mobility across regions, sectors, and social groups.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Survey on Migration will be conducted during July 2026–June 2027

• Implemented by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI

• PLFS 2020–21 estimated India’s migration rate at 28.9%

• Migration data informs planning in housing, employment, and urban infrastructure

• The survey will cover seasonal, inter-state, and return migration

Gender Dimensions of Migration