Urban poverty and vulnerability in India: A social policy perspective

Abstract

This article explains the characteristics of the urban poor and makes a strong case for its analysis and understanding at an individual, household and community level. The paper argues that policy makers need to make a conceptual distinction between social development and social protection during both the planning and implimentation of any antipoverty policy. To shift policy making towards this approach a considerable effort to shift in resource flows will be required. Analysis of the causes and symptoms of urban poverty needs to be improved, innovative partnership between different stakeholders (poor people as well as community leaders, governments, the pivate sector, NGOs and donors etc.) need to be developed and policy makers need to be clear about what they are trying to achieve — to raise all the poor to the improving condition and to keep them there or to continue with palliative measures which keep the poor in their vulnerable condition?