Urban slums on decline: Hope for better future ahead

With what can essentially be termed as a radical transformation in the economic scenario of the lowest strata of the Indian society, the release of 69^th round of surveys earlier this week by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has cheered the nation considerably. Highly unforeseen but true, the report states that a decline of over 32% was observed in the number of slums in the urban India from about 49,000 in the year 2009 to 33,150 in 2012. Unless we turn highly contemptuous and derive gratification by casting aspersions on the authenticity of the data churned out by the NSSO, (some of the surveys from the same agency in the past needed revision), the news must bring smiles to the ruling UPA government. Even if the decrease of 32% seems difficult to digest by the ultra-wise minds of the country, the report still suggests that slum numbers are on a positive turn down.

In point of fact, what factors led to the decline in the slum household numbers in the urban India? Does it mean that the state is getting effectual and much improved than the dismal old days that we all are habitual about? Is it truly the state rising to the juncture at the right moment or economic status of the people improved substantially over the years owing to rising wages over the last five years or such? Should the UPA II government be credited with the success?

NSSO report claims that about 24% slums on a national scale had been recognized as benefiting from various targeted schemes of the central and state governments. These include Rajiv Awas Yojana and the Urban Renewal Mission - the popular house-building schemes. Furthermore, 95% of urban households reported improved access to drinking water in the year 2012. Therefore, the buoyant results should categorically be attributed to the governments, both at centre and state, to a considerable extent.

Amusingly, the entire transformation comes at a time when a newly born party (Aam Aadmi Party) has recently romped into power in Delhi by wooing aspirational slum voters. This marginalized section of the society played a key role in the AAP’s success in the freshly contested Assembly polls in the state capital. This must have been the first time when slum dwellers were out in open in large numbers to vote for the political unit of their choice, and that too without asking for any kind of monetary compensation. Consequently, the coming days would draw more concern from the various political parties, which will perk up the condition of the traditionally marginalized section of society furthermore.

The recently out figures may be heartening for the ruling governments, but a lot is to be achieved still. Additionally, we hope the numbers need no revision this occasion, unlike many times in the past.