URBAN POVERTY IN INDIA

GS1: INDIAN SOCIETY 

Context:
The India Employment Report (IER) 2024, recently published, has highlighted the paradox of higher unemployment rates and wages in urban areas. This calls for a deeper understanding of the implications for urban poverty.

About the Report

• Published by: International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human Development (IHD).
• Key Concern: Limited trickle-down benefits for the working class, despite a 5.4% average real economic growth from 2015-16 to 2022-23.

Key Findings

1. Urban Unemployment: Persistent high rates of unemployment in cities.
2. Gender Gap: Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for young men is significantly higher (61.2%) compared to young women (21.7%).
3. Decline in Urban Poverty: Urban poverty reduced from 13.7% in 2012 to 12.55% in 2022 at the national level.

Features of Urban Poverty

• Inadequate housing and lack of security.
• Poor infrastructure for essential services.
• Insufficient transportation systems.
• Higher incidence of crime, including extortion.
• Overcrowding in unauthorized slum areas.
• Increased vulnerability to disease outbreaks.

Reasons for Urban Poverty

• Migration: Influx of rural populations into cities.
• Exclusionary Urban Planning: Lack of inclusive city development strategies.
• Legal Barriers: Restrictions in accessing housing and formal employment.
• Lack of Social Security: Limited safety nets for urban poor.
• Informal Employment: Prevalence of low-paying, insecure jobs.

Measures to Address Urban Poverty

• Community Efforts: Strengthen local support systems in impoverished areas.
• Mixed-Use Neighborhoods: Integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to provide diverse opportunities.
• Women’s Participation: Involve women-led initiatives like Kudumbashree in urban poverty alleviation programs.
• Enhanced Social Security: Expand coverage and make benefits portable across states.

Government Initiatives

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0): Focused on urban infrastructure development.
• Smart Cities Mission: Promoting sustainable and inclusive urbanization.
• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0): Ensuring cleanliness and sanitation in cities.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U): Providing affordable housing for all.
• Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Enhancing employment opportunities for the urban poor.
• PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi): Supporting small vendors through financial assistance.

These measures collectively aim to address the multifaceted challenges of urban poverty and create sustainable urban ecosystems.

QUESTION: “Discuss the key challenges of urban poverty in India and critically analyze the effectiveness of government initiatives in addressing these issues. (250 words)”