Dynamics of International Out-migration from Indian Punjab: The PIMS 2010 Survey

The Indian Punjab has from a long time been concerned by international out-migration. The phenomenon has extended and the out-migration is now very present in daily life. In spite of the importance of the flows, the international out-migration has not been much documented and there is not accumulation of evidence on the processes involved.
The survey conducted in 2010, at the scale of the state, is based on a sample frame drawn from 2001 census. Three questionnaires have been used: a village questionnaire, an household questionnaire and a return questionnaire.
After a brief comment on the migration pressure in Punjab, the main hypothesis and questions of the research will be presented. Do people migrate to improve their situation and what is the reality of the improvement? Who migrates? The rich or the poor? Why somebody migrates? Because he has no job? Because of the scarcity of land? Because of the attraction of the west model or the consumption society? How extensive is the process of return migrants? What are the most popular destinations? What are the living conditions and the mains difficulties encountered abroad? To what extent is the cost of the migration increasing (in relation with intervention of consultants)?
The study also explores existence and scope of policy options and programmes interventions at the place of origin, for different categories of migrants (students, workers, etc). Cases studies of unsuccessful migrants will also be considered.
The questionnaire will also help to understand the developmental consequences of migration, regarding remittances, diaspora philanthropy, gender equity (marriages abroad), intergenerational relationships, economic situation of migrant’s family, etc.
The way the survey has been conducted will be presented. As the data processing is starting now, only some preliminary results will be discussed.
One of the interesting comparisons in the future will be with the state of Kerala, where international out-migration is also important whereas the characteristics and behaviours of migrants are very different.