What is Urban Poverty?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Urban poverty is characterized by a lack of income, access to basic services, and secure housing.
- 2.
Slums and informal settlements are often the most visible manifestation of urban poverty, lacking proper infrastructure and sanitation.
- 3.
Unemployment and underemployment are major drivers of urban poverty, particularly among unskilled workers.
- 4.
The urban poor often face discrimination and social exclusion, limiting their access to opportunities.
- 5.
Access to affordable healthcare and education is crucial for breaking the cycle of urban poverty.
- 6.
Government programs aimed at poverty reduction in urban areas include employment schemes, housing programs, and social welfare initiatives.
- 7.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor.
- 8.
The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) focuses on skill development and employment generation for the urban poor.
- 9.
Data on urban poverty is collected through surveys like the National Sample Survey (NSS) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS).
- 10.
Addressing urban poverty requires collaboration between government, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Visual Insights
Urban Poverty: Contributing Factors and Solutions
Mind map illustrating the contributing factors and potential solutions to urban poverty.
Urban Poverty
- ●Contributing Factors
- ●Consequences
- ●Solutions
- ●Government Schemes
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIn 2023, the government launched new initiatives to improve sanitation and waste management in urban slums.
There is ongoing debate on the effectiveness of different approaches to urban poverty reduction, including cash transfers and in-situ slum redevelopment.
Several NGOs are working to provide skills training and employment opportunities to urban youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Supreme Court has issued several judgments related to the rights of slum dwellers and the need for fair compensation during eviction and resettlement.
The future outlook for urban poverty depends on factors like economic growth, job creation, and effective implementation of social programs.
This Concept in News
2 topicsDelhi Government's Subsidized Meal Scheme Serves 1.4 Million in Two Months
20 Feb 2026This news highlights the aspect of food insecurity, a critical dimension of urban poverty. It demonstrates how targeted interventions, like subsidized meal programs, can provide immediate relief to those struggling to afford basic necessities. The news applies the concept of urban poverty in practice by showcasing a real-world effort to address its consequences. It reveals the ongoing need for government support to ensure food security for vulnerable urban populations. The implications of this news for the concept's future are that such programs can be effective in reducing hunger and improving health outcomes, but they need to be scaled up and sustained to have a lasting impact. Understanding urban poverty is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for why such a scheme is necessary and what challenges it aims to address. Without understanding the concept, the news might seem like a simple act of charity, rather than a strategic intervention to combat a complex social problem.
Delhi Government to Redevelop Slum Clusters for Improved Living Conditions
17 Feb 2026This news highlights the issue of inadequate housing and infrastructure, which are defining characteristics of urban poverty. The redevelopment project is an attempt to apply the concept of urban renewal to improve the lives of slum dwellers. This news challenges the concept by raising questions about the effectiveness of slum redevelopment as a poverty reduction strategy. It also raises concerns about potential displacement and the need for inclusive planning. The news reveals the ongoing efforts to address urban poverty and the complexities involved in finding sustainable solutions. Understanding urban poverty is crucial for analyzing the news because it provides context for the challenges faced by slum dwellers and the potential impact of the redevelopment project. It also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the government's approach and identifying potential unintended consequences. Without understanding the concept of urban poverty, it is difficult to assess the significance and implications of the news.
Frequently Asked Questions
121. What is urban poverty and what are its key characteristics?
Urban poverty refers to the concentration of poverty in urban areas like cities and towns. It is characterized by a lack of income, access to basic services, and secure housing.
- •Lack of income to meet basic needs
- •Limited access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education
- •Inadequate housing and prevalence of slums
- •Unemployment and underemployment
Exam Tip
Remember the key characteristics: income, access, housing, and employment. These are crucial for identifying and addressing urban poverty.
2. How does urban poverty differ from rural poverty?
Urban poverty differs from rural poverty primarily due to the higher cost of living in cities and different job opportunities. Urban areas also present challenges related to overcrowding and access to services.
- •Cost of living: Higher in urban areas
- •Job opportunities: More diverse but competitive in urban areas
- •Access to services: Potentially better in urban areas but can be limited by affordability
- •Housing: More expensive and often inadequate in urban areas
Exam Tip
Consider the economic factors (cost of living, job markets) and infrastructural differences when comparing urban and rural poverty.
3. What are the major factors contributing to urban poverty in India?
Several factors contribute to urban poverty in India, including migration from rural areas, lack of skills, unemployment, low wages, and discrimination.
- •Rural-urban migration: People move to cities in search of better opportunities but often lack the skills for urban jobs.
- •Lack of skills: Many urban poor lack the education and skills needed for formal sector employment.
- •Unemployment and low wages: Limited job opportunities and low wages contribute to poverty.
- •Discrimination: Marginalized groups face discrimination in employment and housing.
Exam Tip
Focus on the push and pull factors of migration and the structural issues within the urban economy.
4. What is the significance of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution in addressing urban poverty?
Article 21 of the Indian Constitution ensures the right to life and livelihood, which is relevant to addressing urban poverty by ensuring basic necessities.
Exam Tip
Remember that Article 21 is often interpreted broadly to include access to basic necessities for a dignified life.
5. What are the challenges in implementing effective urban poverty reduction programs?
Challenges in implementing urban poverty reduction programs include a lack of coordination between different government agencies, inadequate funding, and difficulty in reaching the most vulnerable populations.
Exam Tip
Consider the administrative, financial, and social barriers to effective implementation.
6. What reforms have been suggested to improve urban poverty alleviation strategies in India?
Suggested reforms include improving access to education and skills training, providing affordable housing, strengthening social safety nets, and promoting inclusive urban planning.
Exam Tip
Think about long-term solutions that address the root causes of urban poverty.
7. How does India's approach to urban poverty compare with other developing countries?
India's approach to urban poverty is similar to other developing countries in that it focuses on providing basic services and promoting employment. However, India faces unique challenges due to its large population and rapid urbanization.
Exam Tip
Consider the scale of the problem and the specific socio-economic context when comparing India's approach with other countries.
8. What are some common misconceptions about urban poverty?
Common misconceptions include the belief that all urban poor are unemployed or that they are solely responsible for their situation. In reality, many urban poor are employed in the informal sector and face systemic barriers to upward mobility.
Exam Tip
Challenge stereotypes and consider the structural factors that contribute to urban poverty.
9. What are the key provisions related to urban poverty as per the concept?
Key provisions related to urban poverty include lack of income, access to basic services, and secure housing. Slums and informal settlements are often the most visible manifestation of urban poverty.
Exam Tip
Focus on the interconnectedness of these provisions and how they reinforce the cycle of poverty.
10. What is the future of urban poverty in India, considering rapid urbanization?
The future of urban poverty in India is uncertain, but it is likely to remain a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization. Addressing urban poverty will require sustainable urban planning, inclusive economic growth, and effective social programs.
Exam Tip
Consider the interplay between urbanization, economic development, and social equity when projecting future trends.
11. What are the important areas related to urban poverty frequently asked in UPSC?
Frequently asked aspects in UPSC include the causes and consequences of urban poverty, government initiatives to address it, and the role of urbanization and migration.
Exam Tip
Focus on the socio-economic dimensions and policy implications of urban poverty.
12. How does urban poverty work in practice, considering the informal sector?
In practice, urban poverty is often characterized by individuals working in the informal sector with low wages and job insecurity. This makes them vulnerable to economic shocks and limits their access to social protection.
Exam Tip
Consider the role of the informal sector in perpetuating urban poverty and the need for formalization.