2014 · GS Paper 4 · Q14 · 20 marks
In our country, the migration of rural people to towns and cities is increasing drastically. This is causing serious problems both in the rural as well as in the urban areas. In fact, things are becoming really unmanageable. Can you analyze this problem in detail and indicate not only the socio-economic but also the emotional and attitudinal factors responsible for this problem? Also, distinctly bring out why— (a) educated rural youth are trying to shift to urban areas; (b) landless poor people are migrating to urban slums; (c) even some farmers are selling off their land and trying to settle in urban areas taking up petty jobs. What feasible steps can you suggest which will be effective in controlling this serious problem of our country?
In short
Rural-urban migration becomes a problem when it is distress-driven, caused by unviable small farms, debt, caste control and an urban aspiration gap. The answer is rural jobs through the Rurban Mission and FPOs, land leasing instead of sale, and dignity for migrants through One Nation One Ration Card.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 287 words
The 2011 Census counted about 45 crore internal migrants. Moving by choice is a freedom under Article 19(1)(e); the problem is distress migration that hollows villages and overloads cities, which held about 6.5 crore slum dwellers in 2011.
Socio-economic, Emotional and Attitudinal Factors
1. Economic push and pull: Tiny holdings (average 1.08 hectare, Agriculture Census 2015-16) and seasonal underemployment push people out; urban wages and services pull them in. 2. Status and escape: Farming is seen as low-status, and the city offers anonymity from caste control and the pride of having "settled" in town.
Skill-job mismatch
Degrees aim at white-collar jobs that villages lack, while cities promise mobility and a modern identity.
No asset, no cushion
Seasonal wage work, debt and caste domination make the city's daily wage the only safety net.
Unviable farming, rising land values
Input costs and climate shocks make farming a gamble, while highway-driven land prices make a one-time sale look safer.
Jobs near villages
Rurban Mission (2016) [scheme] clusters and the 10,000 FPO scheme (2020) [scheme] for agro-processing.
Lease, not sell
NITI Aayog's Model Land Leasing Act (2016) [committee/report] lets farmers earn without losing land.
Dignity in cities
One Nation One Ration Card, e-Shram (2021) and rental housing for migrants.
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Development versus Rights Dilemmas5 questions
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Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2014 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.