India’s Urban Homeless Population

Context

According to the Census of India 2011, there are 9,38,348 homeless people living in urban areas across the country. This figure, while staggering, is believed to be a gross underestimation of the actual number of individuals without access to adequate housing. Civil society organizations estimate that at least one percent of the urban population in India is homeless, which translates to approximately 3 million people.

Defining Homelessness in India

According to the Census of India 2011, the ‘houseless household’ refers to a person who has no house or building of his/her own or any census house to reside in; rather dwells in the street, under a tree, in hume pipes, under flyovers and stairs, a place of worship, mandaps, railway platforms, etc Houseless persons include single man/woman, mothers, elder aged people and physically challenged.

Causes of Urban Homelessness

Economic Factors

The most common factor identified to have a strong relationship with homelessness in cities is poverty. There is high incidence of poverty within the population many people earning less than one dollar per day. The situation is worsened by the increased cases of homelessness and dilapidation of buildings hence resulting to shelterless ness since there are no cheap houses for everyone hence people sleep on the pavement or near the railroad stations and under bridges.

Migration

Another cause of homelessness among the urban population is attributed to rural-urban migration. The improved standard of living is another factor which defines numerous people’s desire to move to cities in the hope to find a better job. However, the climax of arriving in the state, they lack decent shelter because of high rent for the few available jobs to address poverty and homelessness.

Social Issues

Other causes of homelessness include social factors such as break up of family, domestic violence and mental health problems. Most people experiencing these issues are left socially isolated, and they are pushed out. As for the other vulnerable groups of children I must also mention street children, and there are approximately 18 million of them in India, and the majority of them become homeless due to family problems or abandonment.

Challenges Faced by the Urban Homeless

• Sanitation, non-potable water supply, availability of toilets and bathing places, and personal hygiene remain major problems that affect homeless persons in urban centres of India.
• These women and girls are also vulnerable to diseases, abuse and may be exploited in the process. Female and children are the most affected in these situations, and they experience sexual harassment and coercion.

Government Initiatives and Shortcomings

• The Government of India has majorly geared up on handling urban homelessness but there are a few plans formulated for the same like the Scheme of Shelters for Urban Homeless does fall under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission.
• The number of shelters offered , however, is still low and the quality of shelters that do exist is questionable; there is not enough space and the services offered are basic.

Recommendations for Addressing Urban Homelessness

To effectively tackle the issue of urban homelessness in India, a comprehensive and rights-based approach is needed. This includes:

• Increasing the number of shelters and ensuring they meet minimum standards of space and basic amenities
• Providing affordable and adequate permanent housing for the urban homeless
• Addressing the structural causes of homelessness, such as poverty and lack of affordable housing
• Improving access to social welfare benefits and identity documents for the urban homeless
• Promoting community-based interventions and involving civil society organizations in the provision of services

Conclusion

The high number of urban homeless individuals in India is a testament to the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to address this issue. By adopting a rights-based approach, investing in affordable housing, and strengthening social welfare programs, the government can work towards ensuring that every citizen has access to adequate shelter and basic amenities. Addressing urban homelessness is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial step towards building an inclusive and equitable society.