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)”

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