Global Journal of HUMAN SOCIAL SCIENCE

Sociology & Culture

Volume 13 Issue 4 Version 1.0 Year 2013
Type: Double Blind Peer Reviewed International Research Journal
Publisher: Global Journals Inc. (USA)
Online ISSN: 2249-460x & Print ISSN: 0975-587X

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

India
By Dr. Sribas Goswami & Prof. Samita Manna
Sidho Kanho Birsha University, 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.
Keywords : slum, urbanization, development.
GJHSS-C Classification : FOR Code: 160810

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

Strictly as per the compliance and regulations of :

© 2013. Dr. Sribas Goswami & Prof. Samita Manna. This is a research/review paper, distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 Unported License http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/), permitting all non-
commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
 Urban Poor Living in Slums: A Case Study of
Raipur City in India
Dr. Sribas Goswami α & Prof. Samita Manna σ

Abstract - The appearance of slums may be seen as a inadequate infrastructure and lacking in proper sanitary
byproduct in the process of urbanization in a developing and drinking water facilities. Living conditions in slums

Year 2013
country like India. Cities are a part of the fundamental have a direct impact on people’s health. One of the
changes in the society leading to socio-economic
major challenges that face urban planners globally is the
development and modernization. The cities, irrespective of
proliferation of slums in urban areas and the host of
their size, provide possibilities of varied occupations and
collective services, such as health, education, cultural, health hazards that they bring along with their wake.
technological, commercial or industrial services and thus act However, the prolific spread of slums has been a 20
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as focal points of development opportunities. In spite of rampant problem in urban areas worldwide. The living
Raipur’s prominent role in the economy of the region, urban conditions in slums are usually unhygienic and contrary

Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

population and especially the urban poor face serious to all norms of planned urban growth. Human
problems due to population pressure, deterioration in the development and improvement in the quality of life is the
physical environment and quality of life. Eventually, the size ultimate objective of all planning programmes leading to
and spread of slums in this area not only help us to identify
higher economic and social development. There exists a
that they are not anomalous and pathological phenomena on
the urban setting but also a manifestation of urban poverty that
very strong linkage between attaining economic
is still predominant in the urban economy in India. prosperity and enriching the quality of life, which is
Land and housing being issues of state concern, reflected in the social indicators of health, longevity,
India’s Central Government’s role in improving slums is more literacy and environmental sustainability. These
important by providing financial resources and establishing indicators serve as valuable inputs for developing
legal & administrative framework for undertaking various suitable policy initiatives. In true sense, environment
activities that benefit slum dwellers. In addition, Central development with progressive transformation of
Government has also played an important role in channelizing economy and society with its major objectives lie in the
funds and technical assistance received from International and
satisfaction of human needs and aspirations. Country
bilateral agencies to the State Government and Municipal
Corporation. The strategies and priorities for improving slums
like India is vast culturally and geographically in which
are evolving over time and new initiatives are adapted based we have 28 states and 7 union territories. Present study
on the experiences gained by implementing many schemes is a humble attempt to explore the environmental
launched over previous plan periods. The study will focus on scenario of Raipur city- capital of Chhattisgarh (A state
how Government helps to enable poor urban residents to take of India).
advantage of economic opportunities by equipping them with The people in slums live under the most
education, skills, and good health. Government is now working deplorable conditions, with little access to effective
on proper urban development plans together with all the major
social and health care services, potable water, sanitation
stakeholders. The paper deals with issues like Human capital
improvements, particularly requirement of basic infrastructure facilities and are therefore more vulnerable to epidemics
and services, such as water, sanitation, solid waste and developmental challenges. Their low socio-
management, land registration, educational and vocational economic status, low level of education and high fertility
training, access to appropriate basic health care (free or and mortality- all indicate that they need special
subsidized) and financial support. To improve the lives of attention in terms of public health, family planning and
people who live in slums and informal settlements requires reproductive health programs. However, unfortunately
community empowerment, good local governance, dialogue reverse is the case with such segments of slum
among all stakeholders and political commitment from the population. Rapid slummification has caused wide
State.
spread of environmental degradation in the city. The
Keywords : slum, urbanization, development.
government has conceded that despite imposition of
I. Introduction regulatory measures, the magnitude of pollution from

A
industrial sources in the city has not shown any
slum is a compact area of overcrowded
appreciable decrease during the last few years. Increase
populations, poorly built congested dwelling
in pollution levels in slum areas is also fuelled by ever-
condition, unhygienic environment usually with
growing traffic.
Author α : Assistant Professor in Sociology, Serampore College, West The movement of large number of rural
Bengal, India. E-mail : sribasgoswami@gmail.com migrants to the urban areas has far reaching social
Author σ : Vice - Chancellor, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia,
West Bengal, India. E-mail : samita.manna@gmail.com implications in transforming the nature and character of
© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)
 Urban Poor Living in Slums: A Case Study of Raipur City in India

urbanization in India. The migrants move into the city not reasons of growth of slums can broadly be summarized
only physically but also bring along their culture, style of namely-
life, values, etc. The new groups are trying to gain  Land encroachment
access to the city’s socio-economic system, often by
 Locational incompatibility
forming communities of their own, in competition with
the old groups of more educated, skilled and affluent  Unplanned development
urban dwellers who create dichotomies and tensions.  Unauthorized construction
The emerging urbanizing society is increasingly  Temporary/semi-permanent structures
becoming a rural-urban environment, both as a way of  Absence / inadequacy of basic amenities.
life and physical form. It must be understood that the The key question may be asked here is why do
rapidly expanding urban environment is not taking
Year 2013

people live in slums? Here there are two reasons for

shape as a simple projection of the economic and social this: one is internal to the slums, and the other is
structure of the past. external. Internal reasons include, lack of collateral
Slum in Raipur city mostly developed assets; lack of savings and other financial assets; daily
surrounding the city center, where more affluent citizens, wage or low-income jobs (which in many cases are
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16 who have moved to the city, have abandoned property semi-permanent or temporary). External reasons include
taken over by the poor. Although the immediate high cost of land and other housing services; apathy
Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

environment deteriorates because of the crowding, and antipathy on the part of the government to assist
pollution, wealthy, and middle-class families, including them; high acceptable building standards and rules and
those who have fallen on hard times, hangs on to their regulations; loop sided planning and zoning legislation.
properties. “The root cause of urban slumming seems to
lie not in urban poverty but in urban wealth” (Verma, II. Objectives of Study
2002).
Raipur city and leading forces of development- The present study mainly focuses on the several
aspects of slum development in Raipur city. The main
 City Population and Economic Changes thrust of this study is to examine various concerns of
• Urban population is increasing rapidly slums. The following objectives have been framed for
• Urban population soon numerically dominant the present study. These are follows:
• Urban economic activities driving national 1. To examine the demographic characteristics of slum
economics dwellers.
• Havoc changes in communication systems 2. To examine the nature and extent of slum and
factors responsible for growth.
 Global Economic Factors
3. To evaluate the people’s participation in slum
• Globalization improvement programme.
• Market liberalization 4. To know the living conditions and infrastructural
• Rapid technological change facilities available in the slum areas.
• Localization 5. To study the health and nutrition level of slum
 Global Political Factors dwellers.
6. To explore the level of general awareness among
• Decentralization
the residents of slums.
• Devolution
7. To see the various policy measures and
• Rise of Governance- moving beyond
programmes initiated by the government.
government
8. To review the environmental aspects of the city.
• Rise of municipal civic leadership
9. To identify the problems and constraints of slum
As aforesaid, slum settlements have been in development.
existence from a long time, in the sense that an
individual other than the land owner has built houses a) Selection of Slums
with or without the consent of the land owner. But they Raipur city has total 154 slums in which 135
were not illegal ‘slum’ settlements as we define and slums are declared formally by the government located
categorize them today. The term ‘slum’ is in fact a more in various places within the city boundary. Some of
recent western-initiated development. This delineation of these are situated in the heart of the city. It should be
such informal or spontaneous settlements as slum noted that out of 135 slums only few are densely
settlements represented a growing change in attitude populated whereas others are thinly populated. These
from outright hostility to that of support and protection. slums have 22777 dwelling units with total population 1,
Urbanization poses several socio-economic and 59,120. According to the demographic characteristic a
environmental problems for cities in India and one list is prepared on the basis of population size and the
among them is the rise of slums. In Raipur the following list is stratified accordingly with two phases namely East

© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)

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

and West phase. Two slums from each phase are taken encouraging that 92% people are literate. They can read
as sample covered with all the components are selected and write. In the present study it has been observed
for in-depth survey. During the process of selection of that 98% respondents are married and 2% respondents
these slums, following factors are taken into are widow. Present study also shows that 65.66%
consideration: (a) large population with diversified respondents are working or acting as money earner. But
characteristics: (b) they should have been covered with 34.34% respondents are not working because their
socio-economic programmes. It is found that large family member earns. 1.66% respondents’ monthly
slums are mostly situated in the East and the West part income is up to Rs.1000. But 28% respondents earn
of the city. So samples are taken from the highest money in between Rs.1001-Rs. 2000, 17.33%
populated slums from Eastern and Western phase of the respondents monthly income lie in between Rs.2001-Rs.
city as these four slums have greater opportunity to 5000, where as 19.66% earn more than Rs. 5000.

Year 2013
represent the slum community of Raipur as a whole. In
the east Gandhinagar and Moulipara both are big slums III. Findings from the Study: Some Facts
in terms of population and size and have 5782 and 4830 a) Environmental Aspects of Slums
population respectively. Both slums have 957 and 878 Environmental changes may be driven by many
numbers of families in each. From west part Kushalpur factors including economic growth, population growth, 20
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and Kota Basti are highest populated slums which have urbanization, intensification of agriculture, rising energy

Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

6021 and 1037 population respectively. The number of use and transportation. Poverty still remains a problem
families are 1003 and 166 in each. The data have been at the root of several environmental problems. Poverty is
collected from secondary and primary sources. The responsible to be both cause and effect of
study was conducted in 2012. environmental degradation. The circular link between
b) General Information of Respondents Residing in poverty and environment is an extremely complex
Slums phenomenon. Inequality may foster unsustainability
According to the information collected from because the poor, who depend on natural resources
three hundred respondents about their age, four more than the rich, deplete natural resources faster as
persons belong to 14 years group, 290 persons belong they have no real prospects of gaining access to other
to 15 - 59 years age category and six persons are found types of resources. Moreover, degraded environment
to lay the category of 60 years and above. can accelerate the process of impoverishment as the
The sex composition of the respondents is poor depend directly on natural assets.
almost same in which male is 52.33% and female is Protection of the environment has to be a
47.66%. central part of any sustainable inclusive growth strategy.
The caste as a social stratification plays This aspect of development is vital and especially
predominant role in our social life specially in India; it focused on Eleventh Plan (Prepared by Government of
helps us to understand the social fabric. In the present India) when consciousness of the dangers of
study 41.33% people belong to general caste where as environmental degradation has shown significantly.
34% belong to SC (Schedule Caste) and 11.66% ST More recently, the issue draws special importance
(Schedule Tribe) and 13% belong to OBC (Other because of the accumulation of evidence of global
Backward Class). Most of the ST people are dwelling warming and the associated atmospheric change that
here for a long time. Another important aspect of our environmental degradation is likely to bring. The
social life is religion. It has been observed that 63.33% phenomenon of rapid urbanization in conjunction with
people belong to Hindu religion. 18.66% are the industrialization has resulted in the growth of slums. The
followers of Muslim religion and 8% respondents are growing up of slums occur due to many factors, such as
Christian. During the field work it is noticed that 8% the shortage of developed land for housing, the high
people have been converted to Christianity from other prices of land beyond the reach of urban poor, and a
religion. Rest 10% people belong to other religion such large influx of rural migrants to the cities in search of
as Sikhism, Jainism etc. jobs etc. The existence of 'urban slums' is one of the
All respondents can speak Hindi fluently and at major problems faced by almost all the metropolitan
the same time they know their mother tongue also. cities throughout the world and Indian cities are no
68.33% respondents’ mother tongue is Hindi, and exception. Environmental degradation is a result of the
21.66% speak Oriya at home. While communicating dynamic interplay of socio-economic, institutional and
within their own community 3.33% respondents speak technological activities.
Telegu. Remaining persons speak other languages like Sources of Solid Waste
Bengali, Marathi, and Tamil etc (regional languages).
IV. Municipal Solid Wastes
Here one remarkable phenomenon is noted that
maximum people other than Hindi speaking are residing The “Municipal Solid Waste” includes
in these slums from 2nd or 3rd generations. It is very commercial and residential wastes generated in

© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)

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

municipal or notified areas in either solid or semi-solid fish, wastes from slaughter houses, food packaging
form excluding industrial hazardous wastes but industries, cold storage units, community halls, religious
including treated bio-medical wastes. places, etc are the major source of industrial waste. The
city is having 400 educational institutions (schools,
a) Domestic Waste
colleges, etc.) and 420 hotels (restaurants, lodge and
Daily waste comes from 1,14,819 (2001
guest houses) and 500 hospitals (poly clinics,
Census) houses in Raipur city consisting of household
dispensaries, general hospitals, etc.).
waste, kitchen, house cleaning, old papers, packing,
bottles, crockery wares, furnishing materials, garden d) Street Sweeping
trimmings, etc. The city is having 970 km of road length. The
main sources of this waste are unconcerned throwing,
b) Trade & Commercial Waste
Year 2013

garbage by walker and vehicular traffic, stray animals,

In Raipur city daily it comes from 12,624 units of
roadside tree leaves, waste from drain cleansing, debris,
business premises, shops, offices, markets, depart-
etc.
mental stores (paper, packing material, spoiled-
/discarded goods), organic, inorganic, chemically e) Debris or Construction Rejects
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18 reactive and hazardous waste. Frequent digging of roads by various utilities
comprising earth, brickbats, stones, wooden logs etc,
c) Institutional Waste
Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

generates from contemn activities.

Schools, colleges, hospitals, large hotels and
restaurants, markets selling vegetables, fruits, meat,
Table 1 : Basic Infrastructures in City Slums
Service Units Corporation Other
areas
Roads Km 826 352
Sewer lines Drains Km 0 0
Storm Water Km 386 138
Community Latrines Seat 80 20
Street lights No 1520 355
Drinking Water Supply Km 75 112
Piped Supply
Drinking Water Supply No 110 50
public stand post
Source, City Development Plan, Raipur City
It must be noted that Ministry of Urban environment. The vicious cycle continues. Treatment at
Employment & Poverty Alleviation / Ministry of Housing government hospitals is apparently cheaper, but is
& Urban Poverty Alleviation has launched a scheme inconvenient to the slum residents (because of time loss
namely Integrated Low Cost Sanitation Scheme (ILCS). in waiting for the treatment and often, indifferent attitude
 The scheme envisages conversion of dry latrines of the medical staff) instead; they prefer more expensive
into low cost twin pit sanitary latrines and private treatment.
construction of new individual toilets where none The growth of slum areas and concentration of
exists. the poor people in the slums is a rather depressing
 The scheme has been taken up on a `whole town aspect of urbanization. Majority of the slum dwellers
basis’ meaning thereby all sections of population of who live there, belong to lower socio-economic class
the town (HIG, MIG, LIG & EWS) are presently and have migrated to the city with the hope of better
covered by the ILCS guidelines. means of livelihood. Having basically low education, skill
 The scheme is being operated through the Housing and work experience, they have no choice in the
and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) by competitive job market and pick up lowly paid jobs such
providing a mix of subsidy from the Central as construction labourer, domestic servants, casual
Government and loan from the HUDCO. factory workers and petty trading business. With their
meagre income, they are forced to live in slum areas in
f) Health Conditions: Food and Nutrition Level in the most unsanitary and unhygienic conditions, and are
Slums carrying out their existence with the barest necessities of
Health is a major economic issue for slum life. Even if people have some money, they do not invest
residents. The unhealthy physical environment leads to it in house improvement, because of its temporary
sickness, demanding for continuing medical treatment, status or illegal occupation of the public lands and
which means reduction of workdays and economic loss. constant threat of eviction. Therefore, the housing of the
Economic loss leads to inability to invest in clean slum dwellers is of lower quality. Poor housing
© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)
 Urban Poor Living in Slums: A Case Study of Raipur City in India

conditions, overcrowded environment, poor sanitation, auspicious occasion. Moreover, the practice of offering
occupational hazards, group rivalries and clashes, these items to guests or as gifts is prevalent among
stressful conditions together with lack of open space for Chhattisgarhi’s regardless of socio-economic status.
children’s recreation etc. are detrimental to the health of They are also routinely offered to various Hindu deities
people in the slums. An overview of women’s and and then consumed by the devotees on every religious
children’s health status presents a sobering picture. occasion. Rationing system in slums is not effective.
Deaths and illnesses are highest among poor women in
a) Several aspects of human development in slums
the world wide and among women in developing
For a very long time, economists have
countries particularly (Davis, 1962). In addition to the
measured well being of societies, economies and
suffering of women, yet another cause of concern is
people by the yardstick of income. Growth was
their almost apathetic attitude towards their own health

Year 2013
measured on the basis of economic indicators like per
and its management during illness. Women are found to
capita income, production and productivity of the
seek treatment only when their health problem caused
economy, and the status of employment. In effect, an
great physical discomfort or when it affects their work
economy that produced more goods and services than
performance. The situation with respect to women’s and
another was deemed to be better off. Growth was 20
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children’s health in the urban slums is not different;
consequently measured by the increase of aggregate
rather their health is neglected the most. Insecurity
income in an economy. In the last few decades,

Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

related to regular income, food, shelter, access to health
however, this approach has been challenged by a
care and other essential services, along with poverty
growing perception that ‘the objective of human
and difficult physical and social environments, such as
development is not simply to produce more goods and
exploitation and abuse in the treatment of women, have
services for material enrichment, but to increase the
an adverse impact on the health of the urban poor
capabilities of all people to lead full, productive and
women.
satisfying lives.’ (HDR, Chhattisgarh 2003).
V. Types and Frequency of Consumption Human Development Reports have asserted
that human development is the process of enlargement
of Food
of people’s choices. They have highlighted that there
Quality of food is major concerned for the slum are three essential elements of human development – to
dwellers. Taking nutritious foods and frequency of enable people to lead long and healthy lives, to access
consumption of foods is important determinate of good knowledge and education and to possess the resources
health. Poor water and sanitary conditions lead to needed for a reasonable standard of living.
adverse health outcomes in the households living in the Consequently, three areas have been identified as being
slums. Specially the women and children in the slums of primary social concern – health, education and
are most vulnerable section. So here the study will material well-being. The dimensions of development
reveal the actual health scenario by providing fowling have not been studied systematically for Chhattisgarh
data. Protein energy intake is widely low in urban slums. so far. The Human Development Report provides the
According to experts, protein is one of the key basis for an assessment of its development. Equity (in
components of proper diet and more than half of Raipur income, in access to education, in health and gender
populations suffer from malnutrition. Protein deficiency equity), good governance and sustainable development
hinders physical growth of children and their brain are a few areas that require urgent attention in the State.
development. As milk is expensive, 20 amino acids can The notion of human wellbeing itself is more broadly
be obtained in eggs and 10 of them are important for conceived to include, not only consumption of goods
children. Poultry and eggs are first class sources of and services but also the accessibility of all sections of
protein. A large amount of vegetable protein can be the population, especially the deprived and those who
found in some food items like peas, beans, pulses, but are living below the normative minimal poverty line, to
20 amino acids are not available in them (Zannat, 2008). the basic necessities of a productive and socially
This study shows that the most frequently consumed meaningful life. Such a conceptualization of welfare
food items are generally the potatoes, fresh vegetables, encompasses individual attainments in areas of
sweets and eggs. Most of these items are both relatively education and knowledge; health and longevity; as well
cheap and typical of the slum diet. In contrast, butter, as in the quality of overall social and physical
soft drinks, milk and ghee are the least frequently environment of people. A specific focus on these
consumed items. These are also relatively expensive aspects of development is necessary, as experience
and are not considered essential to the diet, particularly shows that economic prosperity measured in terms of
among persons with low income. The consumption of per capita income. It does not always ensure enrichment
fruits, snacks and sweets is very highly significant. All in quality of life reflected in broader dimensions of well-
these items are relatively inexpensive and are regularly being like in indicators on longevity, literacy or, for that
eaten not only at home but also on every special and matter, environmental sustainability. Attainments in

© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)

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

these dimensions of welfare are desirable in themselves; civil society. These meet social needs of the individual
hence, they are socially valued. They are also desirable against socially recognized conditions like infirmity,
because of their instrumental value in sustaining the unemployment, old age and poverty. These
development process and enlarging available programmes may be contributory or non-contributory in
opportunities and choices for people. While equality in nature. Urban poor are group of individuals who have
development outcomes may not be a feasible goal of constraints to opportunities and who are living in
equity and social justice, such an approach to human absolute or relative poverty in urban areas. Generally the
wellbeing emphasizes equality in opportunities for all in unorganized marginalized groups are socially
the process of development. This study demonstrates discriminated from organized counterparts which
that socio-economic development, emancipative cultural increase the gap of social security. These marginalized
change and democratization constitute a coherent get low wages; their wages are inadequate to meet their
Year 2013

syndrome of social progress – a syndrome whose families physiological, social and security needs if they
common focus has not been properly specified by are self-employed. Slum dwellers get entangled in the
classical modernization theory. Here this syndrome is vicious cycle of low education, low skills, high
specified as ‘human development’, arguing that its three exploitation web and they never get an opportunity to
2
20 components have a common focus on broadening upgrade their skills to secure better jobs in formal
human choice. Socio-economic development gives sector. They also move from one improvised area to
Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

people the objective means of choice by increasing urban slum with no consolidation of their working status
individual resources; rising emancipative values and virtually no increment in spite of long association
strengthen people’s subjective orientation towards with their employer. This further degrades their standard
choice; and democratization provides legal guarantees of living and makes them susceptible to immoral and
of choice by institutionalizing freedom rights. Analysis of illegal practices.
data from the World Values Surveys demonstrates that Although, Government organizations have
the linkage between individual resources, emancipative passed some acts on social security benefits like
values and freedom rights is universal in its presence ‘Minimum Wages Act’, ‘Maternity Benefit Act’, ‘Equal
across nations, regions and cultural zones. Remuneration Act’, ‘Building and Other Construction
Poor societies, whose citizens suffer from Workers Act’, ‘Workmen's Compensation Act’, and
inadequate resources most obviously in India, tend to ‘Contract Labour Act’, but they are partially implemented
be dominated by conformity values that reflect in totality because of ill-informed workers and lack of
constraints on human autonomy. These societies are awareness. The government has passed the
usually governed by authoritarian regimes. Even if they ‘Unorganized Workers Social Security Bill’ which
have a democratic constitution, such formal ensures security of the informal sector too, wherein it
democracies seldom operate effectively because highly covers ten social security schemes like pension,
corrupt elites deprive people of their rights (Heller 2000). maternity insurance, general insurance, welfare scheme
This chapter covers social security, occupational for artisans and weavers and health insurance. There is
mobility, provision for weaker section, participation in an eager need for unemployment insurance too, which
decision making process, social justice and cultural should also include retirement and old age pension and
development of slum dwellers. some other fringe benefits. Trade Unions in India have
Although, India is experiencing significant primarily represented the workers of organized sector
economic growth, the gap between the rich and the which comprise a merely eight percent of workforce. The
poor is still widening. No obvious benefit can be rest of them has labor regulations and are totally
observed for the poor and under privileged. One of the unprotected with no social security. In Raipur several
reasons identified is that the large population of the urban poverty alleviation programmes are under
underprivileged youth residing in urban slums implementation.
completely lack or have negligible vocational skills, Some Central Government sponsored Programmes are
which prevents them from taking advantage of the vast mentioned here.
employment opportunities in the cities of India. There is  Swarna Jayanti Sahari Rozggar Yojna
a mismatch between the skilled manpower required and  National Slum Development Programme
skilled manpower available. Every year, thousands of  Balika Samrudhi Yojna
graduates are churned out but they do not have the  Special Nutrition Programme
specific skill sets that are required by the market. If this  Individual Latrines- Low Cost Sanitation Programme
trend persists, it will impact the economic growth of the  VAMBAY
city in the long run.  Some State Government sponsored Programmes
as follows:
b) Social security for urban poor
 Rajiv Nagar Bata Programme
Social Security refers to social programmes that  Urban Programme for Advancement of Household
provide set of benefits available from the government or Income
© 2013 Global Journals Inc. (US)
 Urban Poor Living in Slums: A Case Study of Raipur City in India

 Rajiv Yuva Sakthi all city residents and institutions to provide opportunities
 Welfare Programme Sponsored by Women, SC, ST and viable solutions. It is a process of planning with the
Minorities and Other slum dwellers themselves.
 Corporations
Slum problems are widespread and
Some Raipur Municipal Corporation sponsored Pro- multidimensional in nature; therefore they can be solved
grammes are mentioned here. by comprehensive programmes. Infrastructural
 Indira Sahara Yojna development and civic amenities are required
 Samajik Pension Yojna adequately. After bifurcation, Raipur’s formation as
 Briddha Pension Yojna capital has brought qualitative and quantitative changes
 Goswara among the slum dwellers. Environmental degradation is

Year 2013
general phenomenon in slum. Therefore, a system has
c) Amenities Stated for Urban Poor in 11th Five Year
to be evolved whereby the garbage from slums can be
Plan (Government of India).
collected from each household and placed in the
The Eleventh Plan recognizes slum dwellers,
nearest big garbage collection depots or transaction
most of who are employed in the informal sector, as
stations, and after that it can be cleaned by municipal 20
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important contributors to cities’ economy. Even though
services. Improved hygienic conditions with increased
relocation of slums may sometimes be inevitable,
awareness on preventive social medicine can reduce

Global Journal of Human Social Science (C ) Volume XIII Issue IV Version I

appropriate measures need to be taken to ensure that
the health hazards in slum residents. It is noted that a
the slum dwellers, especially women, do not lose
bulk number slum dwellers don’t believe in casteism,
access to livelihood opportunities and basic amenities.
untouchablity, and pardah (superstitions) system. A very
Today, almost 30–40% of India’s urban population lives
few number of residents feel inferiority complex as they
in slums. Over 62% of this population does not have
reside in substandard living condition compared with
access to sanitation services and 25% does not have
the mainstream society. Raipur slum dwellers are still
access to water. Since it is generally women who fetch
far from standard quality of life. With the growing
water, they spend much of their time and energy at
urbanization and growth in the number of slums and
water pumps, in water queues, or walking to other
slum population, there is a need for more and more
colonies. The Asian Development Bank (2007) estimates
community managed programmes than administration
that India’s housing shortage is as high as 40 million
managed programme to improve slum areas. The study
units, suggesting that more than 200 million people are
has clearly brought out the institutional gap at the
living in chronically poor housing conditions or on the
community level as also lag in organization and
pavements. In the absence of toilets, poor women are
leadership. If the objectives of the government is to
forced to defecate in public places such as railway
make provision for basic human needs, there is need to
tracks, parks, open spaces, or even public pavements.
emphasis and strengthen institutions at the community
Not only do they feel ashamed by this, but it is a serious
level in the form of neighborhood committees and to
health and security hazard as they can only use these
support nongovernmental efforts – either individual or
public spaces in the dark. Thus provision of clean
institutional or else. In conclusion, while the problems of
drinking water, toilets, and sanitation in urban slums will
urban poverty in poor are enormous, it is perhaps
be an important challenge for ensuring gender justice in
relevant to note that some of the solutions are relatively
the Eleventh Plan. Women need to participate in public
clear. This is particularly the case in terms of the
office because they have particular experiences of, and
provision of physical infrastructure and in the area of
relationships to, the urban environment, and they have
human capital. The task is to implement; the problem is
proved themselves to be effective agents of change at
to overcome the political and economic constraints.
the city or local level on a range of issues (Beall, 1995).
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