India, Oct. 2 -- Migration has emerged as a major social issue and a driver of change in contemporary society, with around 45 crore people in India having moved away from their place of birth for various reasons, said Umi Daniel, senior policy and programme advisor at Migration, Human Trafficking & Climate Change.

Daniel was speaking during a session on Migration & Climate at the Earth Again Conference 2026 organised by the Sambad Group in the Odisha capital on Friday.

Daniel said people who stay away from their place of birth or original residence continuously for six months or more are generally considered migrants. The trend is increasing as people move in search of employment, education and other livelihood opportunities.

He also ...