the other alternative is to provide proper job opportunities. if they become capable enough to earn their living, they will never sell there appartments
Slum dwellers may be the favorites of the politicians and the necessary evil that is tolerated by the middle and upper middle class people. While the former needs them for their position the latter needs their service. The need for proximity to the place of work is what makes the slums appear where they do.
I suggest that while designing new satellite townships by planners and constructing huge apartment complexes by builders they should make adequate and affordable provision for accommodating people who provide service to the top and middle class as well. The ratio should be determined. It is feasible these days for the lower income group to pay 2 lakhs for an accommodation over a lifetime of earning when the middle class pay over 20 lakhs.
Banishign slums is a bit arrogant.We haveto live with senstiviy to the ppoerer sectiosn of society. Every indian and all children deserve the best faciltities that India must provide.I nida must build houses for the poor and take them along and ahead.
Govt has refused to do anything because they don't see any problem - slums are normal. The solution: allow private land-owners very high density development rights (20-50 stories, rental-condo units) on 50% of the site. In return, the developer will build on the rest of the site, low-cost units in lower-rise blgs 5-10 story high, to be sold to existing slum residents and other low-income families at a subsidised rate approved by the municipality govt. The same goes for govt-owned lands. The names of all 'subsidized' low-income buyers will go into a national data-base, such that once they sell their units, they will not be eligible for another low-cost unit anywhere in the country. The national policy must be the elimination of slums, which means evicting squatters immediately. However, for any progress, there must be adequate housing stock, both single family as well as hostels, in addition to providing basic services, with all costs being income-based. The buck stops with the largest landowner - govt! But knowing the useless, do-nothing govts of this stinking land, slums are here to stay, permanently!
The alternative plan for remodelling the urban slums seems to be based on simplistic logic of shunting out people who have come later than us or who are lower on the class-ladder.The method of making small housing compounds and the repayment working out as a viable scheme between the occupants and the builder does appear to be sound. However, the suggestion smacks of class-consciousness. We should do some out of box thinking in making things work for our country rather than improvising models tried out elsewhere. My proposal is to design for the people and services by keeping your plans valid for 50 years and more. Once you do this , you start thinking not in piece-meals but have a futuristic design incorporated in your thinking. Expertise ranging from environmental and energy saving specialists, public health experts, market specialists can work together to design local hub centres which would provide business, market, residential and recreational centres. These hubs will house all those who have a stake in making the system wotking efficiently.
hi, the article is very comprehensive in its approach and was a nice read. The only other point which might be of consideration - slum dwellers and their contribution to the micro economy of the country / area. and what does the society/ govt/ give back as benefits. If there can be a study of this.. then we will also realise the importance of 'slum dwellers'(not necessariy slums) - used only in terminological sense and not derogatory to anybody... and the need to adress their issues with greater empathy.
Only way to restrict or control slums is NOT TO ALLOW SLUM RESIDENTS TO VOTE in any elections from local municipal elections to general elections.
These people are seen as vote banks by political parties and local party workers support these people, they provide them land, water, electricity and other necessary things to get their votes in return.
If we deny them their voting rights, no political party worker will help them and they could not live there without basic necessities like water, electricity etc.
