Blog 3: Crime rate and Migration

Kristin Nicholson

September 14, 2012, 4:51 pm

Crime and Migration in Mumbai, India

 

There is a definite correlation between crime rates and migration in different Indian cities. Crime rates in Maharashtra are on the rise while rates in Mumbai, India are declining.  Crimes are becoming uncontrollable in the city of Maharashtra. According to the article, reported the Mumbai police web site reported that crime in the city decreased by 8 percent. The city police reported about 19,000 major crimes like murders, burglaries and thefts, which is a decrease from approximately 21,000 cases last year. The migration rate for the city is also dropping. This city was once known for its popularity in migration. Many residents are moving to northern districts. Much of this rate decrease is due to an increase in housing and property prices in Mumbai. It is reportedly much harder to find jobs in Mumbai, which is another reason for the movement out of the city. This decrease is evident in cities throughout India.  A writer from Economic and Political Weekly, Amitabh Kundu, said in an e-mail interview that “exclusionary urbanization” is the reason for the change. As the researchers explain in their paper, “Urban centers have become less hospitable to and less accommodating for the poor.” It is very challenging for poor, unprofessional workers to find work in this city, therefore they are moving out of the city to find more work. The purpose of urbanization is being reversed in this Indian city. In theory, urbanization creates more jobs, allows for them to be centrally located in big cities and bring wealth to the city. Unfortunately, there are always downfalls to good ideas with good intentions.

http://india.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/10/despite-outcry-crime-and-migrants-falling-in-mumbai/