Social IssuesPremium
Urban Poverty: Slums, Livelihood, and Inclusive Policies
July 19, 20266 min read
Introduction
Urban poverty is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon characterised by inadequate housing, insecure livelihoods, lack of access to basic services (water, sanitation, healthcare, education), and social exclusion. With India's urban population projected to reach 600 million by 2031 (40% of total population), addressing urban poverty is critical for inclusive development. Urban poor populations are concentrated in slums - informal settlements that house 65 million Indians, according to Census 2011 (likely 100+ million now).
Defining Urban Poverty
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Description |
|---|---|
| Income Poverty | Below urban poverty line (₹1,400/capita/month in 2023-24 approximate) |
| Housing Poverty | Slum housing, lack of tenure security, inadequate space |
| Infrastructure Deprivation | No piped water, individual toilet, electricity, drainage |
| Social Exclusion | Caste, religion, gender, migrant identity - discrimination in access |
| Vulnerability | Insecure livelihoods, debt, health shocks, eviction risk |
| Political Voicelessness | Slum dwellers are not voters in the city (linked to home town) |
Statistics (Estimated, 2024-25)
| Indicator | Value |
|---|
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