Why is #migration volume not a factor for GoI's allocation of the 1000cr #reliefpackage across states for supporting migrants who return home? The omission has resulted in anomalous situations that are worrisome and points to a serious data gap on #migration. A thread

Maharashtra, a #destination state, receives the lion’s share of 204 cr, over double that of UP, that has ferried its #migrants home in 386 trains and will need to provide for them till #livelihood opportunities return. Reportedly 7 lakh returnees have already finished quarantine

Other #migrant source states like Odisha, Jharkhand & Chhattisgarh have received a pittance. These states have some of the most underprivileged tribal populations that will need considerable support

This allocation is through PM Cares Fund Trust. The allocation formula is based on #population & #covid19 incidence ( https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=203992)

Since #migration corridors have remained mostly consistent, using 2011 Census data to factor in #interstate migrants at source states would have improved the ability of source states to sustain out of work migrants. Also, this shows why we need updated granular mobility data.

@MuktaNaik @CPR_India @CPRUrban @beejoshi @hulfoundation @NeelanjanSircar @gandhisahil @sabinadewan @Kranjanashish @arvind_jnu @CensusIndia2021 @AiyarYamini @jimanish @MyAnandaBazar @JJNglobal @gregfrandolph