An Inquiry into Rural-urban Migration: Relevance of the Harris - Torado Model

This book focuses on the phenomenon of rural to urban migration with special reference to Guwahati, the gateway of north eastern region of India, that had taken place and which continues till date, despite the existence of massive unemployment in the city. An attempt is also made to rationalize such a phenomenon by confronting the relevant primary as well as secondary data of rural-urban migration with the Harris-Todaro migration model. The socio-economic impact of rural-urban migration on urban development and unemployment is also highlighted in the book so that it can shed light on the problems of such a torrent flow of in-migrants which puts immense pressure on the existing social and economic infra-structure. It is envisaged that such an exercise would help policy makers to develop a clearer understanding of the factors that causes rural-urban migration and also the associated problems it causes. This would enable framing of policies that are more appropriate to the ground realities, which in turn, will enhance the probability of adequately addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by rural-urban migration.