A study of migration from Bangladesh to Assam, India and its impact.

Abstract

Migration from Bangladesh to Assam, a north-eastern state in India bordering Bangladesh, has significant implications for its demography, economy, socio-political framework and environment. The migration that started at the end of 19th century from areas in today’s Bangladesh continues unabated making it a large-scale migration problem. This study is based on author’s data gathered through a number of field surveys conducted in Assam between 2009-2012. It has also been complemented by existing knowledge of the migration from various sources; notably, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the literature. The primary aim of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the scale, composition, causes, trends, process and impact of migration to Assam, with a special focus on migrants’ adjustment in their destinations. An in-depth analysis of factors that influence migration has been presented by developing a comprehensive understanding of the implications on Assam’s changing demography, socio-political dynamics, environment and economy. The study has also dealt with several other underlying issues, topics and problems which are important and relevant to the subject. Implications of various policies relating to migration have been discussed. Although the migration from Bangladesh is being projected by some quarters only as a major problem for Assam with no benefits whatsoever, author’s findings, however, suggest that this is not totally true. It shows a mixed outcome, both positive and negative. The study shows that although there are several negative aspects to the migration, one cannot overlook the contribution the migrants have made towards the development of the state in its early phase under the British Rule. There is yet no widespread acceptance of migrants by indigenous population of Assam. However, increasingly many of them are interacting with local people through business, matrimonial alliances as well as through their children’s education. The study concludes that it is an undeniable fact that large-scale migration from Bangladesh to Assam has taken place over many decades, and it still continues. It is a reality and has changed its demographic landscape. Therefore, it is important for the policy makers to address the problem of migration by taking into account its long-term impact on the state as well as the country as a whole, instead of looking at the short-term expediencies or utilizing migrants as a convenient political vote bank. A long-term measured solution is necessary for this problem so that both indigenous and migrant communities can live and work together in harmony, and prosper in a socially-responsive and environmentally-friendly manner. This study also makes a number of recommendations and suggestions for further research in this area.