Migration refers to the mobility of people from one place to another; it may be a permanent or temporary migration, as well as a short or long term migration. The study aims to analyze changing patterns, reasons for out-migration and also focus on spatial patterns, tempo of urbanization in West Bengal based on Census data. It is noted that the proportion of migrants in West Bengal has increased from 27% in 1991 to 30% in 2001. In the case of inter -state migrants, West Bengal has more in-migrants than out-migrants. Bihar continues to be the main state of origin of immigrants in West Bengal with 62.43% in 1991 and 63.68% in 2001. West Bengal, the most favored destinations are in Bihar, comprising 36.76% in 1991 and 28.17% in 2001. It is also found that employment is the main cause of men's movement and marriage remains the most dominant for female migration. The focus on level of urbanization increased from 27.81% in the 2001 Census to 31.16% in the 2011 Census, but the pace or speed of urbanization is not uniform over the years in West Bengal.
URL : 20170707013121.pdf