Urban poverty is a complex and pervasive issue that plagues cities worldwide, presenting multifaceted challenges to individuals, communities, and policymakers. Defined by a lack of access to basic necessities such as adequate housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, urban poverty manifests in densely populated areas where economic disparities are starkly evident. Amidst the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, a hidden underbelly of deprivation exists, trapping countless individuals and families in a cycle of disadvantage and marginalization. From sprawling metropolises to smaller urban centers, the specter of poverty looms large, perpetuating social inequalities and hindering progress towards inclusive and sustainable development. In understanding and addressing urban poverty, it is imperative to delve into its root causes, examine its far-reaching consequences, and devise comprehensive strategies aimed at fostering equitable urban environments where all residents can thrive.
Urban Poverty and S.R. Hashim Committee:
S.R. Hashim Committee on Urban BPL Identification:
The Planning Commission formed an expert group under the leadership of S.R. Hashim in 2010. This committee was tasked with recommending a detailed methodology for the identification of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in urban areas, especially in the context of the 12th Five-Year Plan. The committee’s recommendations focused on identifying urban poverty through specific vulnerabilities in residential, occupational, and social categories.
Criteria for Identifying Urban Poverty:
- Residential Vulnerability:
- The committee recommended considering individuals or families as residentially vulnerable if they were houseless or lived in temporary houses.
- Conditions affecting residential vulnerability included insecurity of tenure and lack of access to basic services.
- Occupational Vulnerability:
- The committee identified houses with people facing significant unemployment, irregular employment, or working under unsanitary or hazardous conditions as occupationally vulnerable.
- Instability of payment for services was also considered a factor contributing to occupational vulnerability.
- Social Categories:
- The social categories of vulnerability were not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but it can be inferred that the committee considered social aspects that contribute to poverty and vulnerability in urban areas.
Comprehensive Approach: The S.R. Hashim Committee recommended a comprehensive approach to identifying urban poverty, taking into account not only income levels but also the specific vulnerabilities in the residential and occupational spheres. This approach aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of urban poverty beyond traditional income-based measures.
The recommendations of this committee were essential for devising a methodology that considers various dimensions of vulnerability in urban areas, contributing to a more accurate and comprehensive identification of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the urban context.
Pronab Sen Committee on Slum Statistics/Census:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation constituted a committee to examine various aspects of slum statistics and issues related to the conduct of slum census in 2011. The committee, headed by Pronab Sen, submitted its report in 2010. Here are some of the key findings and recommendations of the committee:
- Projected Slum Population:
- The committee projected the slum population in the country for the year 2011 to be 93.06 million.
- Definition of a Slum:
- The committee recommended a specific definition for a slum: “A compact settlement of at least 20 households with a collection of poorly built tenements, mostly of temporary nature, crowded together, usually with inadequate sanitary and drinking water facilities in unhygienic conditions.”
- Slum-Like Characteristics:
- The committee suggested adopting certain characteristics as indicators of slum areas. These characteristics were used for identifying areas with slum-like conditions. Some of these characteristics include:
- Predominant Roof Material: Any material other than concrete.
- Drainage Facility: No drainage or open drainage.
- The committee suggested adopting certain characteristics as indicators of slum areas. These characteristics were used for identifying areas with slum-like conditions. Some of these characteristics include:
Significance of the Recommendations:
- The Pronab Sen Committee played a crucial role in providing a clear definition of what constitutes a slum. This definition helped in standardizing the criteria for identifying slums, ensuring consistency in data collection and reporting.
- By proposing specific characteristics indicative of slum-like conditions, the committee aimed to create a more comprehensive and uniform approach to identifying and addressing slum areas across the country.
- The recommendations provided valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers working on issues related to urban poverty alleviation and slum redevelopment.
Overall, the committee’s work contributed to enhancing the accuracy and reliability of slum statistics and census data, facilitating more targeted interventions and policy measures for improving living conditions in slum areas.
FAQs
Q: What causes urban poverty?
A: Urban poverty can stem from a multitude of factors including lack of employment opportunities, low wages, inadequate access to education and healthcare, urbanization outpacing infrastructure development, discrimination, and systemic inequalities. Additionally, factors like high living costs, housing unaffordability, and limited social safety nets can exacerbate urban poverty.
Q: How does urban poverty affect communities?
A: Urban poverty can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only individuals but entire communities. It can lead to social unrest, increased crime rates, deteriorating infrastructure, inadequate access to essential services such as clean water and sanitation, and a cycle of generational poverty. Moreover, it can strain local governments’ resources and hinder economic growth and development within urban areas.
Q: What strategies are effective in alleviating urban poverty?
A: Effective strategies for alleviating urban poverty often involve a combination of policies addressing various dimensions of poverty. These may include investing in education and skills training programs, promoting inclusive economic growth through job creation and entrepreneurship support, improving access to affordable housing and basic services, implementing social protection programs such as cash transfers and food assistance, fostering community development initiatives, and combating discrimination and social exclusion.
Q: How can communities support individuals living in urban poverty?
A: Communities can play a crucial role in supporting individuals living in urban poverty by fostering solidarity, promoting social cohesion, and advocating for policies that address the root causes of poverty. This can involve establishing community-based organizations, providing access to social services and resources, offering mentorship and support networks, advocating for equitable urban planning and development, and creating opportunities for civic engagement and empowerment.
Q: What are the long-term implications of ignoring urban poverty?
A: Ignoring urban poverty can have severe long-term implications for both individuals and society as a whole. Persisting urban poverty can lead to social fragmentation, increased inequality, diminished social mobility, and heightened vulnerability to economic shocks and environmental disasters. It can also impede sustainable urban development and undermine efforts to achieve broader goals such as poverty reduction, inclusive growth, and social justice. Addressing urban poverty is therefore essential for building resilient, inclusive, and thriving cities.
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