Committee estimates slum population to rise to 93.06 million next year
04 Sep 2010
Despite the country's robust growth figures it has been projected that around 93.06 million people will live in slums in cities by next year. This would mean an increase of around 23 per cent in the slum dwelling population since 2001 forced by a lack of space and means.
According to an expert committee formed to estimate a 'reliable' figure of the urban slum population, the number has swelled by 17.8 million across the country over the last decade.
Minister for housing and urban poverty alleviation Kumari Selja said that the trend was along anticipated lines due to a surge in urbanisation. She however said that the percentage would decline with the efforts of UPA-II towards slum development and rehabilitation.
The Pranab Sen headed committee has pointed out that the projected slum population in 2011 would rise to 93.06 million from 75.26 million, which was estimated in 2001 as per the new methodology.
Sen is principal adviser to the Planning Commisson and former chief statistician.
The slum population, according to 2001 census figures stands at 52.4 million.