Slum Eradication: India’s Ambitious Plan
Slum Eradication: India’s Ambitious Plan
The Growing Concern of Slums in India
Slums in India have become a significant societal challenge as they fail to keep pace with the development of the outside world. The lack of governance and investment by authorities has turned these areas into a burden on urban landscapes.
A Lingering Issue in India
Sprawling, overcrowded slums with impoverished, disorganized living conditions have become an undesirable "trademark" of Indian cities. Over decades, even centuries, these low-income areas—home to diverse social groups and characterized by poor infrastructure and deteriorating housing—have formed, persisted, and expanded alongside India’s urbanization.
It is estimated that around 93 million Indians live in slums across the country. Historically, these slums developed as a response to social upheavals, migrations, and economic changes. They are microcosms of society, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, professions, and religions, most of whom are impoverished. Despite their challenges, these communities coexist peacefully and contribute to society in their unique ways. Whether desirable or not, slums have become an inseparable part of Indian society.
However, slums have become a pressing issue in modern times, as they fail to align with the pace of societal development. The lack of governance and investment has turned these areas into urban burdens, tarnishing the nation’s image. A striking example of this was seen in New Delhi in September 2023. To host dignitaries from the world’s top developed and emerging economies for the G20 Summit, the Delhi administration erected barriers around slums to hide the city’s less desirable aspects, sparking surprise among residents and curiosity among visitors.
Beyond damaging the city’s image in the eyes of foreigners, slums also hinder India’s global ambitions. As G20 President in 2023, India sought to showcase its capacity and ambition to unite and lead developing nations toward shared goals. However, such calls for collective progress risk losing credibility if India’s domestic issues are laid bare. Recognizing this, India has been making efforts to address the uncomfortable realities of slums.
The “Housing for All” Initiative
Launched in 2015, the “Housing for All” initiative by the Indian government aims to enable every Indian family to own a home—a dream still out of reach for many. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, the program addresses the severe housing shortage among urban low-income groups. By constructing small, affordable apartments, the initiative aims to eliminate slums, prevent unauthorized constructions, and curb land encroachments.
The government set a target to build around 20 million homes under this initiative by 2022. The project focuses on four key strategies: slum redevelopment with private real estate participation through land-for-infrastructure mechanisms; Credit-Linked Subsidy Schemes (CLSS) offering financial assistance to low-income groups for housing loans; the construction of new homes; and adding essential facilities like kitchens and toilets. Public-private partnerships also form a core part of the program.
Although more than two years have passed since the initiative’s initial deadline, the total number of houses delivered to low-income families remains unreported, making it difficult to assess its success. However, in July 2024, India’s Finance Minister announced the commencement of the second phase of the initiative, which will see $120 billion allocated to construct 10 million homes for low-income families. This underscores the ongoing and urgent demand for affordable housing, requiring substantial resource allocation.
India's Focus on Slum Eradication
The Indian government has long sought to eliminate slums, which mar the image of a rising nation while improving the living standards of urban residents and helping them escape poverty. However, progress has been slow and challenging. Several factors contribute to the delays.
First, complex investment and bidding procedures for housing projects have slowed new construction. Insufficient housing supply also hampers the timely elimination of slums. Furthermore, suboptimal project benefits have discouraged private enterprises from participating in the development of new residential areas to attract slum dwellers.
It is also essential to recognize that slums in Indian cities are more than just residential spaces—they are distinct socio-economic microcosms that serve as livelihoods for many. Successfully clearing slums requires creating higher-paying job opportunities for their residents, encouraging them to relocate willingly. Providing alternative livelihoods is a critical step in motivating people to leave these settlements sooner.
India’s ambition to erase slums is deeply tied to its broader developmental goals, and while the path ahead is fraught with challenges, sustained efforts and investments could pave the way for a better future.
