Assessing the Socio-economic Conditions of Slum Dwellers in Municipalities of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: The word 'Slum' means a densely or heavily populated area in the city. The growth and development of slums in urban areas is one of the important issues for the urban local bodies (ULB’s). Almost one billion people live in slums around the world, which are typically overcrowded, polluted, and lack basic amenities.  Slums are a most critical part of the cities, and most of the slum dwellers belong to or are near poverty. Aim: The objective of the work is to understand the socioeconomic status of slum dwellers in five municipalities of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Methods: The work attempts to assess the Socio-economic status both qualitatively and quantitatively. Primary and secondary data have been used to fulfil the objectives. The collected data have been analysed, and GIS techniques have been used for cartographic presentation.The study is concentrated on all slum pockets among the municipalities of Purba Medinipur (Haldia, Egra, Contai, Tamralipta (Tamluk), and Panskura) of West Bengal. In Municipal authorities of Purba Medinipur estimate that there are 1780 total households in fifteen slums. The sample size is 326. Here authors used Yamane’s formula for sample size. This is survey-based research. This study used  20 variables under 3 major dimensions, such as Demographic profile, Economic status, and Housing and Amenities have been chosen to find out the developmental status of the municipalities in terms of their present pattern. Results: Owing to bad hygienic conditions and the Economic status of the slums of the municipalities of Purba Medinipur is not at a satisfactory level. According to the findings of the primary survey, the majority of Slum Households Rank of Egra municipality are lacking in Housing Condition, Infrastructure and Amenities. Slums' socioeconomic status is good in Pankura and Tamralipto Municipality among the five Municipalities of Purba Medinipur. Conclusion: The analysis across multiple bar charts highlights socio-demographic and infrastructural patterns among slum dwellers in five municipalities: Haldia, Tamluk, Contai, Egra, and Panskura. Overall, the charts reflect a demographic with moderate living conditions, a workforce-oriented economy, limited savings, and significant disparities in infrastructure and amenities across the municipalities. Some suggestions were given for inclusive development and improving the slum’s socio-economic status.