<h1>India's Labor Migration Surges: 9 Million Annually Post-2011, Driven by Economic Opportunities, Female Mobility.</h1> A study from the Economic Survey 2016-17 reveals that labor migration in India is significantly higher than previously estimated, with inter-state mobility averaging 5-6.5 million people annually between 2001 and 2011, and increasing to nearly 9 million annually from 2011-2016. This migration is particularly pronounced among females and is driven by better economic opportunities. Political borders hinder migration more than language barriers. Less affluent states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh see high out-migration, while affluent states such as Goa and Maharashtra are major recipients. Policy recommendations include enhancing portability of social benefits and improving inter-state coordination for migrant welfare.