Migration in India has witnessed a significant rise over recent decades, reflecting both national and regional demographic shifts. The present study examines the district-wise distribution, rates, trends, patterns, and determinants of tribal migration in West Bengal using D-2 Series data from the 2001 and 2011 Population Census. Analytical tools such as percentages and migration rates were employed to assess temporal and spatial variations. Findings reveal that in 2001, the tribal migration rate in West Bengal (23.62%) exceeded the national average (22.14%), but by 2011, it increased to 27.96%, remaining below the national average of 30.03%. The state's decadal growth rate (4.34%) was notably lower than the national growth rate of 7.89%, indicating a relative slowdown in tribal mobility. Gender-based analysis shows that tribal females migrated more frequently than males, largely due to marriage. Urban migration (15.99%) also rise significantly, surpassing the national urban average (14.53%). Regionally, the highest migration shares were recorded in the western Rarh Plateau fringe, while the southern Bengal plain exhibited the lowest rates. District-level variations highlight distinct dominant reasons for migration employment in Barddhaman, business in North 24 Parganas, education in Puruliya, marriage in Paschim Medinipur, and household movement in Darjiling. Tribal migration in West Bengal grew during 2001- 2011, though at a slower pace than the national trend, underscoring its implications for socio-economic development and spatial dynamics across the state.
Gayak et al. (Sat,) studied this question.