Migration between India and Pakistan, 1951-61.

Area of Science:

• Demography
• South Asian Studies
• Migration Studies

Background:

• Post-partition India-Pakistan migration patterns remain a subject of demographic inquiry.
• Understanding inter-country population movements is crucial for accurate national growth assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate migration data between India and Pakistan for the 1951-1961 decade.
• To determine the net migration flow and its impact on population dynamics in both nations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of annual administrative statistics from the Indian Government.
• Examination of birthplace data from Indian censuses (1951 and 1961).
• Assessment of Pakistani census data concerning India-born populations and intercensal growth rates by religious groups.

Main Results:

• Substantial net migration of Pakistan-born individuals into India, estimated between 1.19 to 1.34 million.
• Negligible net migration of India-born individuals into Pakistan.
• Indian census data indicates a net immigration of approximately 1.16 to 1.32 million from Pakistan.
• Pakistani census data shows no significant influx from India during the study period.
• Intercensal population growth rates in Pakistan align with estimated net immigration to India.

Conclusions:

• India experienced a significant net gain from migration, primarily from Pakistan, during 1951-1961.
• The migration flow was largely unidirectional, from Pakistan to India.
• This migration accounted for a notable, though not dominant, portion of India's total population growth (approx. 2.2%).