RURAL-URBAN MIGRATION IN THE

COUNTRY- ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN

SOUTH ASIA
October 21: Rural-urban migration in the country is featured as one of the
highest in the South Asian region. This was reflected in the Human
Development Report 2009, which was launched today.

The report was launched by the Minister for Works and Human Settlement
Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba and the Resident Representative of UNDP Ms. Claire
Van der Vaeren.The report says that rural-urban migration in Bhutan is one of the highest in South
Asia. This according to the report is because many people move from rural to urban areas in search of
better lives. Thus the report urges government to make mobility as an integral part of national
development programme.

The report also examines the effects of migration on development and poverty reduction within and
across borders.

The Resident Representative of UNDP, Ms. Claire Van der Vaeren in her statement said people
migrate to seek better life in a highly unequal world. But the rapid urban growth can pose major
challenges.

Meanwhile Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba on his keynote address said this year’s theme; overcoming
barriers: Human mobility and development; is relevant. He said rural urban migration is already a
reality and almost all towns in Bhutan, be it large or small, is populated with migrants.

Also in the report, Bhutan is ranked 132nd, one step up from that of last year. This according to UN
experts indicates improved living conditions in the country. The one step up also categorizes Bhutan
under Medium Human Development countries.

The report this year also urges government to make mobility as an integral part of national
development programme.

The launch was attended by the parliamentarians, senior government officials, teachers and students.

http://www.dpt.bt/2009/10/rural-urban-migration-in-the-country-one-of-the-highest-in-south-asia/
Human Development Report 2009: Migration leads to development

The 2009 Human Development Report (HDR) was launched in

Thimphu on 21st October by H.E Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Minister for Works and Human Settlements.
The Report urges governments to make mobility an integral part of national development programmes.
One billion people are currently on the move around the world. In Bhutan, the urban migration rate is
one of the highest in South Asia as many people move from rural to urban areas. The report
Overcoming Barriers: Human Mobility and Development, argues that migration within and across
borders brings many benefits.
“Opportunities will be lost if barriers to movement inhibit people from moving freely and across
borders,” is one of the core messages from the HDR.
The Human Development Report is an independent report commissioned by UNDP aiming to frame
debates on some of the most pressing global challenges. The theme, Human Mobility and
Development, is very relevant in a Bhutanese context as rural-urban migration in Bhutan is one of the
highest in the region.
“Bhutan is striving to prepare itself for the rapidly rising internal migration flows. The speed at which
the urban migration takes place in Bhutan, calls for urgent and concerted mobilization of efforts to
address this issue,” Claire Van der Vaeren, Resident Representative, UNDP.
Migration has a strong link to development. Migrant’s gains are often shared with their families and
communities at home, but the families of migrants may benefit in other ways too. Higher school
enrolment rate and the empowerment of women are examples of “social remittances” that migrants
bring home to their communities and families. But to benefit from migration, governments need to take
necessarily steps to ease migration and integrate mobility in national development programs.
“Governments, NGO’s, the private sector, the UN and other development agencies can help the world
to realize the potential of migration to advance human development. This report can add value to the
ongoing discussion about migration and ultimately help it work in pursuit of human development.”
Claire Van der Vaeren.
But migration and urban growth can also pose major challenges, such as reduction in work force in
villages, separation of families and the disillusion of traditions. Another challenge is the pressure on
housing, employment and social services in the cities. The Minister for Works and Human Settlements
stressed the importance of being aware of these challenges, but emphasized that the advantages of
migration are more visible, “The migrants are hard working and they provide labour for the economic
development. Migrants also bring with them new ideas and new cultures. Movement leads to the
outcome of development. We cannot and will not stop human mobility, we must allow our people to
seek better opportunities.”
Following the launch, a panel discussion on the issue of migration was organized.. The panelists were
H.E. Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Minister for Works and Human Settlement; Karma Tshiteem, Secretary,
Gross National Happiness Commission; Dasho (Dr.) Jagar Dorji, Member (Trongsa), National Council;
and Dasho Sangay Zam, Member (Thimphu), National Council Member.
How the Government is meeting the challenges of rural to urban migration in Bhutan, was one theme
highly discussed.
The government is addressing the challenge of rural-urban migration through our policy of regionally
balanced development. We are providing the villages with drinking water, basic health services and
education so people are not forced to move to the cities. In spite of this, we see that educated people
don’t want to go back and work in the fields. Migration is a key challenge, but also an opportunity for
the country. The future of Bhutan will be shaped by human mobility, said the Minister.
Together with the report, the Human Development Index (HDI) was published. This index looks
beyond the GDP to a broader definition of human well-being. The index ranks Bhutan 132nd; one step
up from last year. With this ranking, Bhutan falls under the category of Medium Human Development
Countries.
“Our development started late, but we have already achieved a lot. The school enrollment has reached
over 90 per cent and 90 per cent receive basic health services. It is only a question of time before
Bhutan will move higher on the index.” Lyonpo Yeshey Zimba, Minister for Works and Human
Settlements.
The event was organized jointly by the GNH Commission and the UNDP and held at the Riverview
Hotel in Thimphu.
http://www.undp.org.bt/Human-Development-Report-2009-Migration-leads-to-development.htm