BREAKING NEWS
Urban poverty rates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have experienced fluctuations over the past two decades. In 1999–2000, the poverty rate stood at 3.5%, which increased to 5.4% in 2004–2005. By 2011–2012, the urban poverty rate was reported at 7.20%, with approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Union Territory has significantly reduced poverty over the past nine years, showing a strong decline in the Poverty Headcount Ratio according to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The latest report from the fifth National Family Health Survey indicates that J&K has witnessed the largest drop in multidimensional poverty from 2005-06 to 2022-23, with the percentage of people in poverty decreasing from 40. 45% to just 2. 81%. Currently, J&K ranks sixth among eight Union Territories in terms of multidimensional poverty, while India as a whole has seen 24. 82 crore people escape multidimensional poverty with the national MPI dropping from 29. 17% in 2013-14 to 11. 28% in 2022-23. The MPI uses 12 indicators covering health, education, and living standards, which have all shown significant improvement during this period. The Indian government has launched programs such as Poshan Abhiyan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and the Targeted Public Distribution System to improve healthcare and food security. Other programs like Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana support clean energy and housing, contributing to the goal of reducing multidimensional poverty by 2030 and aiming for a developed nation by 2047.
Urban Poverty Trends
Urban poverty rates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have experienced fluctuations over the past two decades. In 1999–2000, the poverty rate stood at 3.5%, which increased to 5.4% in 2004–2005. By 2011–2012, the urban poverty rate was reported at 7.20%, with approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas. More recently, data from NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) dashboard indicated a significant improvement, with urban poverty decreasing to 1.09% in 2021–2022. Urban poverty in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has undergone significant changes over the past decade. In 2012, the Reserve Bank of India reported an urban poverty rate of 7.20%, equating to approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas. By 2021-22, data from NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) dashboard indicated a substantial improvement, with urban poverty decreasing to 1.09%.
Several factors have contributed to this decline. The implementation of national schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), has played a pivotal role. Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. Under this initiative,
J&K identified 19 cities and towns for the construction of houses for urban poor, reflecting a targeted approach to address housing shortages. Investments in urban infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, and public services, have also improved living conditions in urban areas. Enhanced infrastructure facilitates economic activities, leading to job creation and income generation for urban residents. Additionally, initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability of the urban workforce through skill development and vocational training have been implemented. These programs equip individuals with market-relevant skills, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities.
However, challenges persist. The region has experienced periods of political unrest, disrupting economic activities and deterring investment. Such instability hampers consistent implementation of poverty alleviation programs and affects the overall economic environment. Despite various initiatives, unemployment remains a challenge. The lack of sufficient industrial and service sector development limits job opportunities, leading to underemployment and income insecurity among urban dwellers. Limited financial resources constrain the government's ability to implement large-scale urban development projects, affecting the expansion of infrastructure and social services essential for poverty reduction. Furthermore, the mountainous terrain and harsh climatic conditions pose challenges to infrastructure development and service delivery in certain urban areas, leading to disparities in development and access to opportunities.
Urban Poverty and Ruralization of Cities
Urban poverty and migration from villages to Srinagar city have significantly contributed to the ruralization of urban spaces in both the core city and its suburbs. As rural migrants settle in areas like Lal Chowk, Maharaj Gunj, and Rajouri Kadal, they bring traditional lifestyles, occupations, and social structures, leading to the expansion of informal settlements and slums. Due to high living costs, many migrants reside in rental accommodations or unauthorized colonies, replicating rural housing patterns with overcrowded homes, shared community spaces, and makeshift sanitation systems. Economic survival pushes migrants into informal occupations such as street vending, hawking, and daily wage labor, mirroring rural market activities. Traditional kinship networks persist, creating closely-knit migrant communities that practice rural conflict-resolution methods similar to village panchayats. In the suburbs, areas like Bemina, Nowgam, and Soura experience an influx of migrants who convert farmland into unregulated housing colonies while still practicing agriculture and livestock rearing. These peri-urban settlements often lack proper infrastructure, with inadequate roads, water supply, and sanitation, making them resemble rural villages despite being within the urban periphery. The dependence of suburban migrants on the city core for employment increases congestion and demand for informal transport modes like shared sumo vans and auto-rickshaws. The ruralization of urban spaces poses governance challenges, including unregulated urban expansion, overburdened public services, and environmental degradation caused by encroachments and deforestation. To manage this transition effectively, urban planning must focus on inclusive strategies such as planned peri-urban development, infrastructure upgrades, employment generation, and active community participation. By acknowledging and integrating the rural character of these urbanizing spaces, Srinagar can achieve sustainable urban growth while preserving socio-cultural diversity.
Combating Poverty Through Central Sponsored Schemes
Various schemes have been introduced in J&K to combat poverty and urban poverty through socio-economic development and infrastructure enhancement. The Basera E Tabassum (BeT) program offers shelter and support to girls orphaned by conflict, while the Ababeel NGO provides aid to widows and underprivileged families, particularly during crises. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) helps improve the livelihoods of urban poor through skill development and self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) addresses housing needs, and several skill development initiatives focus on sectors relevant to the region. The government also implements social welfare schemes targeting marginalized communities to provide a safety net and alleviate poverty.
Pathways Ahead
Despite J&K's progress in reducing urban poverty, challenges such as lack of grass root democratic governance, growing unemployment, and geographical barriers still remain. A comprehensive approach addressing these issues is necessary, focusing on fostering establishing grass root governance, promoting industrialization, ensuring resource allocation, and creating sustained job opportunities. Start –up are to be incentivized to encourage youth and take a leap towards self- reliance and contribute productively towards economic growth. Consistent efforts in these areas are crucial for achieving thorough urban poverty alleviation in the Union Territory.
Email:--------------------------hamwani24@gmail.com
Urban poverty rates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have experienced fluctuations over the past two decades. In 1999–2000, the poverty rate stood at 3.5%, which increased to 5.4% in 2004–2005. By 2011–2012, the urban poverty rate was reported at 7.20%, with approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Union Territory has significantly reduced poverty over the past nine years, showing a strong decline in the Poverty Headcount Ratio according to the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). The latest report from the fifth National Family Health Survey indicates that J&K has witnessed the largest drop in multidimensional poverty from 2005-06 to 2022-23, with the percentage of people in poverty decreasing from 40. 45% to just 2. 81%. Currently, J&K ranks sixth among eight Union Territories in terms of multidimensional poverty, while India as a whole has seen 24. 82 crore people escape multidimensional poverty with the national MPI dropping from 29. 17% in 2013-14 to 11. 28% in 2022-23. The MPI uses 12 indicators covering health, education, and living standards, which have all shown significant improvement during this period. The Indian government has launched programs such as Poshan Abhiyan, Anaemia Mukt Bharat, and the Targeted Public Distribution System to improve healthcare and food security. Other programs like Ujjwala Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana support clean energy and housing, contributing to the goal of reducing multidimensional poverty by 2030 and aiming for a developed nation by 2047.
Urban Poverty Trends
Urban poverty rates in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) have experienced fluctuations over the past two decades. In 1999–2000, the poverty rate stood at 3.5%, which increased to 5.4% in 2004–2005. By 2011–2012, the urban poverty rate was reported at 7.20%, with approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas. More recently, data from NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) dashboard indicated a significant improvement, with urban poverty decreasing to 1.09% in 2021–2022. Urban poverty in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has undergone significant changes over the past decade. In 2012, the Reserve Bank of India reported an urban poverty rate of 7.20%, equating to approximately 253,000 individuals living below the poverty line in urban areas. By 2021-22, data from NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) dashboard indicated a substantial improvement, with urban poverty decreasing to 1.09%.
Several factors have contributed to this decline. The implementation of national schemes, such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), has played a pivotal role. Launched in 2015, PMAY aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. Under this initiative,
J&K identified 19 cities and towns for the construction of houses for urban poor, reflecting a targeted approach to address housing shortages. Investments in urban infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, and public services, have also improved living conditions in urban areas. Enhanced infrastructure facilitates economic activities, leading to job creation and income generation for urban residents. Additionally, initiatives aimed at enhancing the employability of the urban workforce through skill development and vocational training have been implemented. These programs equip individuals with market-relevant skills, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities.
However, challenges persist. The region has experienced periods of political unrest, disrupting economic activities and deterring investment. Such instability hampers consistent implementation of poverty alleviation programs and affects the overall economic environment. Despite various initiatives, unemployment remains a challenge. The lack of sufficient industrial and service sector development limits job opportunities, leading to underemployment and income insecurity among urban dwellers. Limited financial resources constrain the government's ability to implement large-scale urban development projects, affecting the expansion of infrastructure and social services essential for poverty reduction. Furthermore, the mountainous terrain and harsh climatic conditions pose challenges to infrastructure development and service delivery in certain urban areas, leading to disparities in development and access to opportunities.
Urban Poverty and Ruralization of Cities
Urban poverty and migration from villages to Srinagar city have significantly contributed to the ruralization of urban spaces in both the core city and its suburbs. As rural migrants settle in areas like Lal Chowk, Maharaj Gunj, and Rajouri Kadal, they bring traditional lifestyles, occupations, and social structures, leading to the expansion of informal settlements and slums. Due to high living costs, many migrants reside in rental accommodations or unauthorized colonies, replicating rural housing patterns with overcrowded homes, shared community spaces, and makeshift sanitation systems. Economic survival pushes migrants into informal occupations such as street vending, hawking, and daily wage labor, mirroring rural market activities. Traditional kinship networks persist, creating closely-knit migrant communities that practice rural conflict-resolution methods similar to village panchayats. In the suburbs, areas like Bemina, Nowgam, and Soura experience an influx of migrants who convert farmland into unregulated housing colonies while still practicing agriculture and livestock rearing. These peri-urban settlements often lack proper infrastructure, with inadequate roads, water supply, and sanitation, making them resemble rural villages despite being within the urban periphery. The dependence of suburban migrants on the city core for employment increases congestion and demand for informal transport modes like shared sumo vans and auto-rickshaws. The ruralization of urban spaces poses governance challenges, including unregulated urban expansion, overburdened public services, and environmental degradation caused by encroachments and deforestation. To manage this transition effectively, urban planning must focus on inclusive strategies such as planned peri-urban development, infrastructure upgrades, employment generation, and active community participation. By acknowledging and integrating the rural character of these urbanizing spaces, Srinagar can achieve sustainable urban growth while preserving socio-cultural diversity.
Combating Poverty Through Central Sponsored Schemes
Various schemes have been introduced in J&K to combat poverty and urban poverty through socio-economic development and infrastructure enhancement. The Basera E Tabassum (BeT) program offers shelter and support to girls orphaned by conflict, while the Ababeel NGO provides aid to widows and underprivileged families, particularly during crises. The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) helps improve the livelihoods of urban poor through skill development and self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) addresses housing needs, and several skill development initiatives focus on sectors relevant to the region. The government also implements social welfare schemes targeting marginalized communities to provide a safety net and alleviate poverty.
Pathways Ahead
Despite J&K's progress in reducing urban poverty, challenges such as lack of grass root democratic governance, growing unemployment, and geographical barriers still remain. A comprehensive approach addressing these issues is necessary, focusing on fostering establishing grass root governance, promoting industrialization, ensuring resource allocation, and creating sustained job opportunities. Start –up are to be incentivized to encourage youth and take a leap towards self- reliance and contribute productively towards economic growth. Consistent efforts in these areas are crucial for achieving thorough urban poverty alleviation in the Union Territory.
Email:--------------------------hamwani24@gmail.com
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