New Delhi, November 13: The National Sample Survey Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), will conduct a comprehensive Survey on Migration between July 2026 and June 2027 to generate updated, reliable estimates on migration trends, reasons for migration, and related household characteristics across India.
The NSO has invited public feedback on the draft schedule for the survey, available on the MoSPI website. Policymakers, researchers, and the public can review and share comments or suggestions by November 30, 2025, through email at nssocpd.coord@mospi.gov.in or tc.sdrd-mospi@nic.in.
The proposed survey aims to fill critical data gaps on migration patterns, including rural–urban and inter-state movement, return migration, short-term migration, employment and income profiles of migrants, and the socio-economic impact on households left behind. The data will help policymakers assess labour mobility, urbanisation, remittance flows, and integration challenges faced by migrant populations.
Migration surveys have been part of India’s statistical landscape since the 9th NSS round in 1955, with detailed studies carried out in the 18th (1963–64) and 64th (2007–08) rounds. More recent insights came from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–21 and the Multiple Indicator Survey 2020–21. The forthcoming survey, however, will be the most extensive in scope, covering the evolving migration dynamics of post-pandemic India.
Officials said the findings will aid evidence-based policymaking in urban planning, housing, employment generation, social protection, transportation, and skill development, supporting inclusive and regionally balanced growth.
