Migration (Place of Birth / Last Residence) UPSC relevant
The census measures migration two ways. By place of birth: a person enumerated in a place different from their birthplace is a 'lifetime migrant'.
By place of last residence: a person whose previous residence differs from the place of enumeration is a migrant by last residence — a concept added in the 1971 Census that better captures the most recent move, along with duration of residence and reason for migration (work, marriage, education, etc.). If birthplace or last residence equals place of enumeration, the person is a non-migrant. Migration questions are part of the 40-question Census 2027 Household Schedule.
Because 2011 migration tables were released very late, timely 2027 migration data — the first since COVID-era labour movements — are among the most awaited census outputs.