Effect on Migrants Due to Urbanization: A Study of Slum Area in New Delhi

Abstract

Agrarian structure has been the backbone of India’s economy since time immemorial. However, present trends have been toward greater levels of industrialization ultimately causing urbanization. Urbanization refers to increase in the physical growth of the urban sectors due to the global urge of different nations to link itself to the processes of modernization, westernization and the sociological process of rationalization. Migration seems to be the ‘push’ factor, which has accelerated the process of urbanization that has resulted in changes in physical and social organizations of the migrants as well as spatial organization of the cities. The purpose of the study is to analyze the living conditions of the migrants in cities and to figure out their problems. The study is based on the materials obtained through survey and observation. The survey composed of personal interviews which were conducted in a slum area near Mukherjee Nagar, New Delhi. The study showed that urban centers become heavily populated with substandard housing and poor living conditions giving rise to land insecurity, unemployment and increase in crime. This situation often leads to decrease in proximity making survival problematic for the vast majority. Moreover, as the agnates of the family (male members) leave for the cities for better economic gains leaving behind their kin group, it has often led to disintegration of joint families in the rural areas. Imparting education and providing the opportunities in the vicinity of the village and making them aware of the various governmental policies can help promote their well-being.

Appendix

QUESTIONNAIRE:

• NAME:

• AGE:

• SEX:

• EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION:

• OCCUPATION:

• MARITAL STATUS:

• NO. OF CHILDREN:

  INCOME:

  • 1. Cities seem to be a promising factor for opportunities. However, have you been able to avail these opportunities?

  • 2. Is your income proportional to the work done and is that enough to support your family?

  • 3. What are the other services provided to you by your managers?

  • 4. Do you aspire for better educational qualification for your children than you do?

  • 5. Did your entire family move to the city with you? And if not, are you morally satisfied to leave them behind?

  • 6. What do you think are the reasons for increasing number of police cases in your area?

  • 7. What do you have to say about the condition and state of women migrants in your area?

  • 8. Are you aware of any governmental policies for migrants? If yes then are you able to reap its benefits?

  • 9. Would it help if small-scale job opportunities are provided to you in the vicinity of this slum? If yes, what type of opportunities would you like to have?

  • 10. Finally, do you think migration has helped you in any way to fulfill your dreams and aspirations?