Determinants of Migration to Goa, India: A Gravity Model Analysis

In India, the volume of internal migration is increasing rapidly after remaining stagnant at around 30% of the total population up to 2001. However, the volume of inter-state migration is substantially lower than that of intra-state migration. In the case of Goa, compared to other states, the proportion of inter-state migration is relatively higher. The main objective of this paper is to study the variables that influence the movement of migrants from other states to Goa. Through a gravity model framework, determinants such as density of population, distance, per capita NSDP, literacy and their role in migration are examined. Individual motivations for migration are also studied within a push-pull framework. It is observed from the results of the gravity models that while population density positively affects out-migration, distance and per capita NSDP of the source state have a negative effect. While economic factors dominate in both push and pull factors, the growing role of social factors in the choice of destination reflects the growing importance of networks in certain forms of employment.