Sep 2008: Urban 'Poor' Livelihoods

Cover Story: India is witnessing a steady exodus of people from rural to urban areas. According to the ASSOCHAM estimates the number of poor living in urban areas will increase from current 190 million to 225 million by 2015. The traditional livelihoods in rural areas including agriculture, handlooms and other satellite livelihoods have fallen short of meeting the needs of the people. Most of these sectors are over crowded. Infrastructure in rural India including schools, hospitals, electricity facilities, roads etc are no match to those available in urban areas. Urban India is providing a ray of hope in terms of employment opportunities for many poor. People are migrating in large numbers. While migrants are gaining on some fronts they are losing out on the quality of life by living in slums. livelihoods team sets its focus on the variety of livelihoods practiced by urban poor in India and its associated gaps and opportunities.