Topic: population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
1. Slums are not ‘problems’ that have to be ‘solved’ – but are indeed a result of lopsided and vested urban policies covering land ownership, infrastructure provision and maintenance, and other socio-economic issues. Analyse. (250 words)
Reference: Social Problems in India by Ram Ahuja
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 1.
Key Demand of the question:
Bring out the true nature of the causes of issue of slums in India.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start the answer by putting forward how manifestation of income and other gaps in health, education, skills, etc. can be seen in slums and squatter settlements of most urban areas in developing countries. Mention stats related slums in India.
Body:
Mention the factors as how the slums are not problems per se but have become problems because of the factors such as unplanned urbanization, lack of opportunities and skills, migration, Lack of affordable housing, Overcrowding, close proximity to jobs and markets, tenural insecurity and informal and intermittent supply of urban services etc.
Mention the impact of the above with relevant facts and figures.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
