Growth of slums, availability of infrastructure and demographic outcomes: evidence from India

S. Chandrasekhar, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research

Using a unique nationwide dataset on housing conditions and slum infrastructure from India we shed light on how different the rural, urban poor are from the poor households residing in the slums. We find considerable variations in access to services and credit across the different MPCE classes. It would not be unreasonable to say that conditions in the slums lie somewhere between the conditions in the rest of urban areas and rural regions. We also analyze the services available in the slums and examine the improvements in the slum conditions over the last five years. We find that the government is active in initiating most of the slum improvements with the NGOs, resident associations active primarily in the water – sanitation sector. We find that improvements in the living conditions in the slums have left a lot to be desired.