For some it’s the proximity that matters and for a few exploring new opportunities in a broad spectrum is the motive. The reason may vary; still Delhi remains the choice of many students and professionals from Bihar and U.P.

A latest survey report released by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry says that 70 per cent women, who migrate to Delhi in search of jobs and better education, mostly belong to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. U.P. ranked highest - with nearly 38 per cent women leaving the state for Delhi - Bihar came a close second with 32 per cent women reaching Delhi in search of better avenues.

Though 38 per cent women migrants come from Uttar Pradesh, not everyone is employed, says the survey. Out of these, 14 per cent are unemployed and the rest are employed in organized (21 per cent) and unorganized sector (65 per cent). Whereas, women migrants from Bihar have 64 per cent working in unorganized sector, 28 per cent in organized sector and rest 8 per cent still remain unemployed.

“Delhi is near to my native town and with so many good colleges in the city, it has a lot to offer to students”, says Priyanka who hails from Uttar Pradesh and has been staying in Delhi for the last 4 years. The survey clearly indicates that states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh lack quality higher education institutions if search for a job opportunity or higher studies is the prime reason of migration,

Other states that registered their presence in the survey were Rajasthan (12 per cent) and Madhya Pradesh (6 per cent) from where women chose the national capital to build their future.

The survey also categorised 24 per cent women as ‘others’, who migrated because of reasons other than seeking education and job opportunities.

The statistics was based on a random survey of about 1500 women in Delhi and was conducted by Assocham's Social Development Foundation.

Two points are very clear from the survey. One, that Delhi is emerging as the hot spot for higher studies and jobs for women from the Northern states and caters to the needs of many. Secondly, if the other states fail to provide better opportunities to their youngsters, migration will only increase, putting further population stress on Delhi, which is already a cause of concern.