Social implication assessment framework for basic services to an urban poor program in India

Abstract

The pace of urbanization in India is comparatively slower than the rest of the world, yet, it is the second largest nation with an urban population. The millennium development goals (MDGs) envisaged eradicating extreme poverty and hunger and ensuring environmental sustainability in its first and seventh agenda respectively; concerned with sustainable urban development with pro poor connotation. One of the focuses of development particularly in developing nations like India is on poverty alleviation, inclusive planning, building ownerships and minimizing the adverse social impacts on the vulnerable and the urban poor. After realizing the fact that cities are engines of economic growth, the Basic Services for Urban Poor (BSUP) Programme under National Urban Renewal Mission (NURM) in 2005 was launched by the government of India, which was meant to secure the tenure, provide affordable housing, and social security along with the provision of water, sanitation, health, and education. It is the first time that beneficiaries are involved as active stakeholders of the programme. The assessment of social implication of such programs will help in making the projects responsive to the social development concern. The aim of assessing social implications is to understand the consequences of the development interventions as every project has social ramifications. It provides an opportunity, may be passively, to participate and respond in shaping their future. The parameter used for evaluation includes the utilization of allocated funds, a change in poverty level, employment generation and the number or proportion of beneficiaries. The present research attempts to go beyond the economic benefit of the program and analyzes the social impact of these programs on the communities where the poor live and to suggest a methodological framework for assessment of social implications of a program of provision of basic services to the urban poor in India. © 2013 WIT Press.