The Factors Driving Urban Poverty: A Critical Examination of Evidence with Special Reference to Kamrup Metro

THE FACTORS DRIVING URBAN POVERTY: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF EVIDENCE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO KAMRUP (METRO), ASSAM. Poverty remains a significant challenge in India, deeply rooted in its history of economic underdevelopment. Despite various government initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, substantial portions of both rural and urban population continue to struggle. According to the Planning Commission Report of 2011-12, around 25.7% of rural residents and 13.7% of urban dwellers lived below the poverty line, translating to an overall poverty rate of 21.9%.Traditionally, discussions surrounding poverty have predominantly focused on rural areas. However, the processes of industrialization, migration, and urbanization have led to a growing phenomenon known as Urban Poverty. This issue has often received less attention, even as it has become increasingly pervasive in cities across India. States such as Assam in the Northeast have also experienced this shift, with urban poverty emerging as a pressing concern. Factors contributing to urban poverty include inadequate access to employment opportunities, housing, education, and healthcare, which collectively hinder the ability of individuals and families to escape the cycle of poverty. Addressing urban poverty requires targeted policies and programs that consider the unique challenges faced by urban population. This includes enhancing access to basic services, promoting skill development, and fostering economic opportunities tailored to urban settings. Recognizing and tackling urban poverty is crucial for India's overall economic growth and social development. Given the context, the book makes a thoughtful effort to explore and reassess urban poverty, focusing on its characteristics and determinants through empirical evidence gathered from Kamrup (Metro) district of Assam. While extensive research has been done on the slums of Kamrup Metro and Guwahati, this book specifically aims to analyze the factors influencing the urban poor in Kamrup (Metro), particularly in relation to the informal sectors.

Poverty, as Aristotle noted centuries ago, is an enduring global challenge, present in all societies throughout history. Despite progress, poverty continues to affect millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries, including India, where both rural and urban poverty persist. Urban poverty has gained prominence with increasing urbanization and migration from rural areas, often exacerbated by the lack of skills, access to resources, and affordable living. The study focuses on urban poverty in Kamrup Metro, Assam, analyzing its characteristics, causes, and the effectiveness of poverty alleviation measures. The research highlights the multidimensional nature of urban poverty, which includes not just financial deprivation, but also limitations in education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The study aims to provide insights into the specific challenges faced by the urban poor in medium-sized cities, offering policy recommendations for targeted interventions. Despite limitations such as data accessibility and challenges in defining poverty, the research contributes to a better understanding of urban poverty in Northeast India and suggests practical solutions for alleviation.

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