Bihar Shocked by Study Revealing Mass Migration: Over 6.3 Million Workers Leave State, Says Former TISS Director

Patna, December 12, 2025: A two-day national consultation on seasonal migration, held at the A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Sciences, has triggered serious concern after former Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) Director Pushpendra Kumar revealed that more than 6.3 million workers migrate out of Bihar in search of livelihood. According to his analysis, only 25% find work within Bihar, while 71% travel to other Indian states and over 3% migrate abroad.

The consultation brought together experts, labour union representatives, social workers, and government officials from Bihar as well as from Gujarat, Kerala, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Delhi. The aim was to examine the root causes of large-scale migration, understand its socio-economic impact, and review the mechanisms meant to safeguard migrant workers’ rights.

Key Findings Highlight Deep Crisis

Presenting a detailed assessment, Pushpendra Kumar described Bihar’s migration volume as “alarming”, noting that the state continues to be one of India’s largest sources of migrant labour. Complementing his analysis, migration researchers Prof. Ram Babu Bhagat and Aviral Sharma also delivered presentations that highlighted the structural challenges pushing workers out of the state.

Government and Civil Society Efforts Reviewed

In subsequent sessions, officials and activists discussed policies and interventions targeting migrant workers’ welfare. Assistant Labour Commissioner Dr. Ganesh Jha outlined various schemes launched by the Bihar government for the protection and support of migrant families.

Representatives from ActionAid shared ground-level experiences from Gaya district, particularly focusing on the hardships faced by brick-kiln workers and the rescue of bonded labourers. Delegates from Kerala and Rajasthan described how their unions actively assist and advocate for migrant workers from Bihar employed in their states.

Child Labour and Human Trafficking Also Under Spotlight

The consultation also addressed serious concerns related to child labour and trafficking. Members of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights presented updates on the commission’s ongoing initiatives. Representatives from NYAY Network and Aditi Foundation shared field experiences, while a UNICEF consultant provided a comprehensive overview of the situation across Bihar.

In the concluding session, experts stressed the urgent need for coordinated action to address the structural causes of migration and create supportive mechanisms for workers and their families.

The national consultation has emerged as an important platform to understand the scale, complexity, and human cost of migration from Bihar, highlighting an issue that demands immediate policy attention.