NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation is set to conduct a nationwide survey on urban slums in 2027. This survey will aim to gather comprehensive data on the living conditions of residents in these areas.
The survey will take place more than ten years after the last one, providing crucial insights into the number of slums and households, as well as their access to electricity, drainage systems, garbage disposal, road infrastructure, housing quality, and drinking water. Additionally, it will evaluate how conditions in these areas have changed over time, which will inform future policymaking.
“We have surveys planned for this year and next, with urban slum assessments scheduled for 2027,” stated a government official who preferred to remain anonymous.
A slum is defined as a residential area that may be officially recognized or exist as an unofficial settlement, typically characterized by overcrowding, substandard housing, and insufficient sanitation and basic services.
The first survey on urban slums was conducted by the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) from July 1976 to June 1977, with the most recent survey taking place between July and December 2012.
According to the 2012 survey, India hosts 33,510 urban slums, with Maharashtra having the highest concentration at 23%, followed by Andhra Pradesh (13.5%), West Bengal (11.8%), Gujarat (8.7%), and Tamil Nadu (7.1%).
