"Slums constitute one of the most important & persistent problems of Urbanization". Critically discuss the statement in context of Indian society.

• According to 'Culture of Poverty' thesis by Oscar Lewis, poverty and slums are perceived as reproduction of laziness, hopelessness and lack of capacities that perpetuate it.

• Due to urbanisation, millions of people inhabit in slums out of 34% urban population (UN Report 2016).

• Migration from Rural to urban areas for employment opportunities and survival needs overcrows the settlements.

• In Dharavi alone, 10 lakh people live, in poor housing and living conditions.

• Urbanisation creates sprawling land development, transportation facilities, but enough formal jobs are not created.

• Slum population mostly are involved in Informal Jobs leading to Job Insecurity, lack of any social security support etc.

• Hence, poverty is mostly concentrated here and children rarely go to school due to seasonal migration.

• Low Education, skills and opportunities perpetuated Low Human Development and Multi Dimensional Poverty. In India 41% population is multi-dimensionally poor.

• Area is a breeding ground for diseases, infectious diseases, HIV, malaria etc. • This increases burden on public health system. • According to Atul Thakur's report, 30% Indian live in spaces less than that available for US prisoners.

But as long as city administration views slums as a problem in itself, situation cannot improve.

• The slum people contribute to vibrancy of informal sector. • In Hyderabad slum, global waste recycling happens, generating jobs. • Women work as domestic servants and share a burden in dual-career families in urban areas.