Published Paper Details:

Migration is one of the factors determining population growth. There is a general perception that migration in Meghalaya is on the higher side. Incidentally, the decadal growth rate of Meghalaya during 2001 to 2011 is the highest among all the states of India. According to the 2011 Census, about 25.60 percent of the total population are migrants in the state of Meghalaya. Of these a major share belongs to intra-state migrants. The paper examines migration among rural households in Meghalaya by using primary data sources. The area of study is West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya with a random sample size of 400 rural households. The paper will focus on the reasons for migration. Migration in West Khasi Hills is influenced by both push and pull factors highlighted by Ravenstein (1885) and Lee (1966). Apart from economic migrants, non-economic migrants include migration for education and marriage migration. Findings show marriage migration is higher among males than the females which is dictated by the matrilocal system of the matrilineal society of Meghalaya. Interestingly, educational migration is higher among females than males. This shows that educational aspiration among females is greater than their male counterparts.