We spoke to two eminent economists on issues concerning creation of urban employment guarantee schemes; both stressed on decentralisation and involvement of local governments.
In the first of a three part series, we explore the need for a work guarantee scheme to mitigate the crippling effects of the pandemic on the urban poor.
Life near garbage dumpyards in our cities is fraught with many risks. Yet, little attention is paid to the issue of scientific solid waste management and elimination of landfills.
Lockdown and absence of midday meals has hit child nutrition badly. Even worse-off are the very poor and street children, who are struggling to secure a meal a day.
The lockdown pushed many members of the Pardhi community in Bhopal to beg for survival. Now, as they try to rebuild their lives post lockdown, there is still little hope.
The Directorate of Education said the delay in cash transfers was due to the preoccupation with COVID. Meanwhile poor families struggle to provide the bare minimum nutrition for their children.
Living on the streets with all its dangers and risks has made people like Sabita fearless about pandemics and cyclones. Few inclemencies match the storms they have battled for survival.
Three slums in and around Bhopal are home to 288 Bel-Pardhi families, one of the 198 ‘denotified’ tribes in India. Here is what they faced during the lockdown.
Villages like Budhela, Munirka, Mehrauli and others have all been absorbed into the urban limits of Delhi. But what does it mean for the natives and migrants residing here?
In M East ward in Mumbai, children in poor and informal settlements are being engaged in creative learning activities to distract them from the stress of COVID-19.
A single man’s drive and an empathetic community led to this community kitchen in Mumbai’s Pisavali, which has provided hundreds of food packets to migrant families.
Watching the heartbreaking images of migrant labourers trying to reach home during the lockdown, it seems cruel to argue that they stay put. But to allow them to go back may be even more disastrous.
This pandemic has taught us the value of a work force that cities have largely taken for granted. As the lockdown is lifted in a few zones, it is time to introspect and ensure just and humane employment for domestic workers.
