Urban Poor Living in Slums: A Case Study of Raipur City in India

Abstract

The appearance of slums may be seen as a byproduct in the process of urbanization in a developing country like India. Cities are a part of the fundamental changes in the society leading to socio-economic development and modernization. The cities, irrespective of their size, provide possibilities of varied occupations and collective services, such as health, education, cultural, technological, commercial or industrial services and thus act as focal points of development opportunities. In spite of Raipur's prominent role in the economy of the region, urban population and especially the urban poor face serious problems due to population pressure, deterioration in the physical environment and quality of life. Eventually, the size and spread of slums in this area not only help us to identify that they are not anomalous and pathological phenomena on the urban setting but also a manifestation of urban poverty that is still predominant in the urban economy in India. Land and housing being issues of state concern, India's Central Government's role in improving slums is more important by providing financial resources and establishing legal & administrative framework for undertaking various activities that benefit slum dwellers. In addition, Central Government has also played an important role in channelizing funds and technical assistance received from International and bilateral agencies to the State Government and Municipal Corporation. The strategies and priorities for improving slums are evolving over time and new initiatives are adapted based on the experiences gained by implementing many schemes launched over previous plan periods. The study will focus on how Government helps to enable poor urban residents to take advantage of economic opportunities by equipping them with education, skills, and good health. Government is now working on proper urban development plans together with all the major stakeholders. The paper deals with issues like Human capital improvements, particularly requirement of basic infrastructure and services, such as water, sanitation, solid waste management, land registration, educational and vocational training, access to appropriate basic health care (free or subsidized) and financial support. To improve the lives of people who live in slums and informal settlements requires community empowerment, good local governance, dialogue among all stakeholders and political commitment from the State.