Slums and Deprivation in Urban Areas

Slums and Deprivation in Urban Areas | Social Changes in India | Sociology Optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination | Triumph IAS

Slums and Deprivation in Urban Areas

Relevant for Sociology Optional for Civil Service Examination.

Paper 2: Unit-13 Social change in India; Slums and Deprivation in Urban Areas

Slums and Deprivation in Urban Areas

The concept of slums encompasses areas where the buildings are unsuitable for human habitation due to dilapidation, overcrowding, poor design, narrow streets, lack of ventilation, light, or sanitary facilities, posing risks to safety, health, and morality according to the Slum Area Improvement and Clearance Act 1956. The proliferation of slums is viewed as a significant societal challenge, akin to the population explosion, and is associated with substandard urban housing, with percentages of slum populations in major cities like Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, and Delhi ranging from 31.40% to 34.30%.

The genesis of slums is attributed to the influx of impoverished individuals from rural areas drawn to urban economic opportunities, leading to the establishment of slums and squatter settlements. These urban poor communities provide essential services such as vending, plumbing, waste disposal, and domestic services to the city population. Despite efforts to control this process through legal and regulatory means, economic factors and consumer demand perpetuate the cycle, driving the urban poor to occupy open lands and establish slums in optimal locations.

Moreover, the cost of housing schemes designed for the economically disadvantaged often exceeds the means of slum dwellers, further exacerbating the housing shortage. The types of slums include original slums, transitional zone slums, and deteriorated areas near business districts populated by individuals facing social and physical decay. To address these challenges, initiatives such as the Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums (EIUS), soft loans for slum upgrades, and shelter upgradation schemes have been implemented by the government.

Additionally, the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) and Valmiki Ambedkar Aawas Yojana (VAMBAY) have been introduced to provide housing and basic services for the urban poor, emphasizing the need for a multi-faceted approach to combat the widespread issue of slums in developing countries.


Introduction

Slums are a pervasive issue in many developing countries, characterized by substandard living conditions that pose risks to safety, health, and morality. The formation of slums is often driven by the influx of impoverished individuals from rural areas seeking economic opportunities in urban centers. Despite various efforts to control this process, economic factors and consumer demand often perpetuate the establishment of slums in prime urban locations.

Types of Slums

Different types of slums exist, each with its own unique characteristics. Original slums are typically the result of spontaneous and unauthorized settlements on vacant or public lands. Transitional zone slums emerge in areas undergoing rapid urbanization, often lacking adequate infrastructure and basic services. Deteriorated areas near business districts also serve as locations for slums, as impoverished individuals seek employment opportunities in these urban centers.

Challenges Faced by Slum Dwellers

Slum dwellers face numerous challenges, including inadequate housing, lack of access to clean water and sanitation, limited educational and employment opportunities, and exposure to crime and violence. The cost of formal housing schemes designed for the economically disadvantaged often exceeds the means of slum dwellers, further exacerbating their living conditions.

Initiatives to Address Slums

Several initiatives have been implemented to address the challenges associated with slums. The Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums (EIUS) focuses on enhancing the living conditions within slum areas by improving infrastructure and providing basic services. Additionally, soft loans for slum upgrades and shelter upgradation schemes have been introduced to improve the housing conditions of slum dwellers.

Government Initiatives

Governments in developing countries have also introduced programs to tackle the issue of slums. The Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) in India aims to provide basic services and housing for the urban poor, while the Valmiki Ambedkar Aawas Yojana (VAMBAY) focuses on the construction of houses for slum dwellers.

The Need for a Multi-Faceted Approach

Addressing the widespread issue of slums requires a multi-faceted approach. This approach should encompass urban planning and development, affordable housing initiatives, infrastructure improvement, access to basic services, and economic empowerment programs for slum dwellers. Collaboration between government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector is essential to effectively combat the challenges associated with slums.

Conclusion

The issue of slums in developing countries is complex and multifaceted, requiring a holistic approach to address the various challenges faced by slum dwellers. By implementing initiatives that focus on improving living conditions, providing affordable housing, and enhancing economic opportunities, it is possible to make meaningful strides towards alleviating the hardships endured by those living in slums. With concerted efforts and collaborative strategies, the goal of creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments can be achieved.

Reference: Static Portion


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Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Question: Define the term “ethnic movement” and provide an example from India.

Answer: An ethnic movement refers to a collective effort by a group sharing common cultural, linguistic, or religious traits, seeking to assert their identity and rights; an example from India is the Khalistan Movement in Punjab.

2. Question: Identify the main objectives behind the Gorkhaland ethnic movement.

Answer: The Gorkhaland ethnic movement primarily seeks to establish a separate state for India’s Nepali-speaking population in the Darjeeling region, advocating for linguistic and cultural recognition and political autonomy.

3. Question: What was the Operation Blue Star, and which ethnic movement was it related to?
Answer: Operation Blue Star was a military action in 1984, aiming to remove Sikh militants hiding in the Golden Temple in Amritsar; it is related to the Khalistan movement, which sought a separate Sikh country.

4. Question: Mention a critical factor that triggered the emergence of ethnic movements in India, as discussed by Dipankar Gupta.
Answer: Dipankar Gupta emphasized that ethnicity is fundamentally a political process, wherein caste and religion, the key components of identity formation, are politicized by leaders for vested interests.

5. Question: What were the primary reasons for the Assam Ethnicity conflicts involving Bodo tribals and Bengali Muslim settlers?
Answer: The Assam Ethnicity conflicts primarily stemmed from issues related to immigration, land rights, and resource allocation, leading to clashes, riots, and evolving relationships among indigenous communities to address challenges.

6. Question: Briefly describe the role of the Dravidian Movement in terms of caste and societal structure.
Answer: The Dravidian Movement, led notably by E.V. Ramasamy, aimed to establish an egalitarian society, focusing on anti-Brahmanism and advocating for equal rights for backward castes, while also introducing reforms like self-respect marriages.

7. Question: Name the prominent ethnic movements in North-East India and specify one common objective.
Answer: Prominent ethnic movements in North-East India include the Nagas’ and Mizos’ struggles; a common objective was to gain autonomy and recognition for their distinct tribal identities and cultural uniqueness.

8. Question: What is the key argument of Gail Omveldt regarding traditional Indian society and multiculturalism?
Answer: Gail Omveldt opposed romanticizing traditional Indian society, arguing that hierarchy has always dominated it and dismissing the notion that multiculturalism is an intrinsic feature of Indian society as a myth.

9. Question: Briefly explain the social hierarchy factor as a contributing element to ethnic movements as suggested by Olzak.
Answer: Olzak suggests that the construction of hierarchies among ethnic communities, which often leads to the suppression of one group by another, is a key factor that can instigate social and ethnic movements.

10. Question: Identify one consequence of the unequal economic development factor within the context of ethnic movements in India.
Answer: One consequence of unequal economic development is the marginalization and underdevelopment of certain groups, leading to feelings of alienation and sometimes initiating ethnic movements as these groups strive for equality and recognition.


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