New Delhi: A recent comprehensive study conducted by the Department of Economics and Sociology at Punjab Agricultural University sheds light on the migration patterns from Punjab to foreign shores. Astonishingly, 75% of individuals have left Punjab since 2016, with predominant destinations being Canada, Dubai, Australia, Italy, Europe, and England.A closer look at migration dynamicsAccording to the study, Canada emerges as the preferred destination for 42% of migrants, followed by Dubai (16%), Australia (10%), Italy (6%), and Europe and England (3% each). Notably, a significant 74% of the migration from Punjab to other countries occurred post-2016. The research team, comprising Professor Shalini Sharma, Professor Manjeet Kaur, and Assistant Professor Amit Guleria, conducted an in-depth analysis.Root causes: Unemployment, corruption, drug menaceThe rising tide of individuals leaving Punjab for foreign prospects is attributed to the lack of job opportunities, a corrupt system, and the escalating drug crisis. The study underscores that 13.34% of rural families in the state have witnessed at least one member opting for migration. Financial assets like houses, properties, gold, and even tractors are being liquidated by families to facilitate this significant demographic shift.Women lead in study visa pursuitsThe study brings forth intriguing insights into the demographic composition of migrants. Among those seeking opportunities abroad through study visas, women constitute 65%, surpassing the participation of men at 35%. The average loan per migrant family stands at Rs 3.13 lakh, with 56% of families resorting to borrowing to finance their childrens overseas education.Crucial interventions needed to halt migrationTo curb this escalating trend, the study advocates urgent measures such as skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, and vocational training. Additionally, the government is urged to intervene and revive the economically sluggish agricultural sector, which plays a pivotal role in stemming migration. The study, encompassing 9,492 households in 22 districts, interviewed 640 migrant and 660 non-migrant households across 44 villages, considering migration data from 1990 to September 2022.
