NEW DELHI: The Delhi government will launch a socio-economic survey across 652 slums in the capital later this month. Four agencies have been shortlisted for providing a detailed profile of about 20 lakh slum-dwellers to help in making Delhi "slum-free" and address different rehabilitation issues. The survey has to be completed in four months.
The Union ministry of housing and urban poverty alleviation (HUPA) would fund the survey, which is expected to cost Rs 1.6 crore. It will be monitored by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).
The ministry mentions in its objectives that during the implementation of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( JNNURM), it was felt that the overall data relating to urban poverty, slums, livelihood, civic amenities and housing for poor is inadequate. The Centre has decided to support states in conducting socio-economic surveys.
The agencies selected by DUSIB will be assigned work this week and are expected to begin the survey by month-end. To ensure transparency, DUSIB has asked the agencies to submit a daily report, which will be updated regularly on the board's website.
A comprehensive form will be filled in by the survey teams. It will include details like the history of the slum, area under it, population, land ownership, civic amenities, health and education facilities, sources of income as well as NGOs, youth organizations and self-help groups active in the area. The form also asks for information on the head of the family, marital status, educational qualifications, access to toilet and drinking water. Data will also be gathered on migration, as Delhi's slums are home to many migrants.
"The questionnaire seeks to address different rehabilitation needs. For instance, relocation may not be a solution if the slum-dwellers' livelihood is getting affected. In such cases, in-situ rehabilitation may be the answer; forming work centres at the new site can also help," an official said.