events

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The International Institute of Migration and Development (IIMAD) and the Centre for Migration Policy and Inclusive Governance (CMPIG) at Mahatma Gandhi University are pleased to announce the National Conference on Interstate Migration in India: Challenges and Opportunities. This conference aims to bring together scholars, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to deliberate on various aspects of interstate migration and explore strategies for addressing its challenges and leveraging its opportunities.

Interstate migration has emerged as a significant phenomenon in India, with profound implications for the socio-economic fabric of various states. This conference aims to delve into the multifaceted approach necessary to ensure the health rights of migrant populations, encompassing legal, institutional, and technological dimensions. The need for Legal frameworks and policies to address the unique health needs of migrants, ensuring non-discriminatory access to healthcare services is another major issue the event aims to shed light on. Institutional mechanisms play a crucial role in providing accessible and inclusive health services, adapting to the specific challenges faced by migrants.

Generating quality data on interstate migration is subject to several challenges, including logistical difficulties, varying data standards, and limited resources. Methodological innovations such as the use of mobile technology, GPS tracking, and integration of administrative data sources can improve data collection accuracy and timeliness. We invite research papers employing best practices like regular updates, stakeholder engagement, and transparent methodologies which ensure robust data. High-quality data on internal migration is crucial for evidence-based policymaking, enabling targeted interventions and effective programming to address the needs of migrant populations.

Migrant populations significantly contribute to the host state’s economy through labor force participation, entrepreneurship, and filling critical skill gaps. Socio-culturally, migrants bring diverse perspectives, enriching the cultural fabric and fostering social cohesion. Effective policy interventions are essential to identify, study and maximize these positive impacts, including inclusive labor policies, community integration programs, and support for cultural exchange initiatives.

This conference underscores the pivotal role of social institutions and technologies in enhancing healthcare provisions for interstate migrant workers in India. There’s a palpable sense of urgency for governments to chart a new course in policymaking concerning migrant labor. At the forefront of our agenda lies the critical examination of human rights infringements intersecting with healthcare accessibility. One pressing issue under scrutiny is the alarming dearth of accurate data about migrant workers, prompting us to explore avenues for generating qualitative insights. These migrants often operate within a social milieu predominantly confined to their workplace, seemingly detached from broader societal contexts in India. Throughout the conference, scholarly papers will shed light on the multifaceted impacts of migrant workers on India’s sociocultural and economic landscapes, charting fresh trajectories for discourse and action.

– IIMAD – Sisira K (7025908603)

– CMPIG – Navas M. Khadar (8714770906), Dr. Rino Mathew (95261 24887)