Emigration and flow of remittances in India

Abstract

The National Sample Survey Organization in India has collected information on emigration and remittances in its 64th round, for the first time, during 2007–2008 at the household level. It is estimated that 4.4 million Indians who are currently members of the households were living outside the country. The average amount of remittances during the last one year was INR 57 thousands (1US$ = 45 INR in 2007–2008). The paper shows a vast disparity in the levels of emigration across different states of India as well as per capita remittances sent by them. It also analyses the characteristics of emigrants, reasons of emigrations and the related policy issues.

Keywords:

• emigrant
• remittances
• National Sample Survey
• monthly per capita consumer expenditure
• Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

Notes

1. As per World Bank Estimate India’s remittances was 52 billion US $ (Ratha & Mohapatra, 2009).