Understanding Urban Poor: UPSC Social Justice

Urban Poor is a complex and pressing issue that affects millions of people worldwide. As cities grow rapidly, so does the population of urban poor, leading to a myriad of social, economic, and environmental challenges. Despite being situated in urban centers, the urban poor often face marginalization, discrimination, and limited opportunities for socio-economic advancement.

The term “urban poor” is commonly defined as a socio-economic category referring to individuals or households living in urban areas who face economic hardships and are characterized by low income levels, limited access to basic services, and inadequate living conditions. The definition often considers factors such as:

Income Levels
Access to Basic Services Living Conditions
Vulnerability
Informal Employment

According to NITI Aayog estimates, nearly 8.81% of the Urban population are Multidimensional Poor.

Table of Contents

Causes of Urban Poor:

Uncontrolled Migration:

Lack of rural infrastructure compels residents to migrate to megacities.
Increasing migration leads to overcrowding and the growth of informal settlements.
Rapid expansion of slums surpasses the pace of urban development.

Lack of Investment:

Urban poverty results from limited opportunities and skills training.
Insufficient investment in quality education, health, sanitation, and skill development.
Consequences include generations of malnourished, uneducated, and unskilled individuals struggling for decent jobs.

Lack of Infrastructure in Villages:

Rural-urban migration due to the absence of basic amenities and job opportunities in villages.
Limited profitability in agriculture drives people to seek work in the informal economy of cities.
Daily influx of millions into cities for low-wage professions burdens metropolitan infrastructure.

Lack of Affordable Housing:

Urban poor lack formal addresses due to a scarcity of affordable housing.
Unauthorized settlements form as people create homes wherever possible.
Hurdles in accessing essential services like power and water due to lack of official recognition.

Initiatives for Urban Poor:

AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation):

Launched in June 2015 to transform 500 cities.

Aims to provide tap and sewer connections, enhance green spaces, and promote non-motorized transportation.

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (National Urban Livelihoods Mission):

Focuses on sustainable livelihoods for urban disadvantaged through skill development.

Aligns with the Make in India objective for socioeconomic improvement.

Jal Jeevan Mission Urban:

Addresses Sustainable Development Goal-6 by providing universal water supply in 4,378 statutory towns.

Aims to enhance sewerage/sewage management coverage in 500 AMRUT cities.

Light House Projects:

Model housing projects showcasing alternate technology.

Emphasizes sustainability, speed, economy, and superior building quality.

MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme):

Empowers MPs to propose developmental projects in their constituencies.

Focus on long-term community assets addressing national priorities.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY):

Launched in June 2015 to achieve “Housing for All.”

Aims to build two crore homes for low-income and middle-income groups.

Government approval for 1.12 crore homes.

Self Employment Program of the Urban Poor (NULM):

Component of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission.

Provides financial aid for self-employment ventures tailored to the skills and conditions of urban poor.

One Nation One Ration Card:

It aims for nationwide portability of ration card holders under NFSA, 2013 enabling them to lift their entitlement to food grains from any Fair Price Shop of their choice in India with their same ration card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What defines Urban Poor, and how is it different from rural poverty?

Urban poverty refers to the condition where individuals or families living in urban areas lack access to basic necessities such as housing, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education due to economic constraints. While rural poverty predominantly affects those living in rural areas, urban poverty is specific to urban settings and often involves different challenges such as higher living costs and limited access to services.

Q2. What are the main causes of urban poverty?

Urban poverty is caused by a combination of factors including rapid urbanization, rural-to-urban migration, inadequate urban planning, lack of affordable housing, unemployment or underemployment, discrimination, and social exclusion. These factors contribute to the concentration of poverty in urban slums and informal settlements.

Q3. How does urban poverty impact individuals and communities?

Urban poverty has wide-ranging impacts on individuals and communities, including limited access to education and healthcare, poor living conditions, increased vulnerability to crime and violence, reduced economic opportunities, and social marginalization. It perpetuates cycles of poverty and hinders socio-economic mobility.

Q4. What are some strategies for addressing urban poverty?

Addressing urban poverty requires comprehensive strategies that address its underlying causes and provide targeted interventions. This includes investing in affordable housing, improving access to basic services such as water and sanitation, enhancing education and vocational training programs, promoting inclusive urban development, and implementing social protection measures to support vulnerable populations.

Q5. How can individuals and organizations contribute to combating urban poverty?

Individuals and organizations can contribute to combating urban poverty through various means such as volunteering with local NGOs that work with urban poor communities, supporting initiatives that provide education and skills training, advocating for policies that promote affordable housing and equitable urban development, and fostering community empowerment and participation in decision-making processes. By working collaboratively, stakeholders can make meaningful strides towards reducing urban poverty and creating more inclusive cities.

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