Out-migration from West Bengal: Measuring the economic consequences both at the source and destination

Abstract

Migration is mostly perceived as an economically motivated process. In this context, this study tries to empirically examine the extent of economic consequences of migration in West Bengal, both at the inter-state destinations and at the source. The study shows that the remittance-receiving households are more likely to have a higher share of spending on items of human capital formation such as health and education. Given this outcome, it can be suggested that government agencies should take up initiatives to identify and provide proper guidance to those who are prospective migrants so that migration can both be safe and more rewarding.