The Administrative Reforms Commission has recommended a nationwide survey of the urban poor so that they can avail benefits under all poverty alleviation programmes.
The commission in its report 'Local Governance' noted that poverty was a 'pernicious and distressing feature' and in urban areas it is 'excruciatingly visible.'
"An exhaustive survey to identify the urban poor should be carried out within one year," the Commission said, recommending a 'door to door' survey.
"The urban poor so identified may be issued a multi-utility identity cards for availing benefits under all poverty alleviation programmes," the Commission said. After identifying the urban poor through surveys, a mission mode approach would need to be adopted for alleviating urban poverty in a time bound and systematic manner.
"That the eradication of the poverty should receive the topmost priority of urban local bodies cannot be over-emphasised," the commission in its report said.
Citing reasons, the report pointed out that development of the society "would be skewed" if large section live in abject poverty. The daily struggle of urban poor to earn livelihood prevent them to participate in meaningful way and results in silencing their voice, it said.
"Incidence of poverty translates into deprivation, minimised role in decision making," the report said. The thrust of the urban poverty alleviation programmes should focus on enhancing their skills, the Commission said.
Training institutes may be set up on the lines of Rural Development and Self Employed Training Institutes for imparting training to the urban poor for self employment.
These institutes could also help in wage employment related skills, the commission noted in its report. It said in case of setting up of micro-enterprises, the urban poverty alleviation schemes should be flexible in selecting projects and providing financial assistance.
"To maximise the benefits micro-finance, formation of self help groups needs to be encouraged. Institutions and NGOs with good track record should be encouraged to promote these groups for availing micro-finance," the report said.
There are an estimated 60 million urban poor in the country and the level of funding for their uplift was 'far too inadequate,' the report noted.
During the financial year 2006-07 the allocation for urban employment scheme of the government was Rs 250 crore (Rs 2.5 billion). The number of beneficiaries assisted for setting up micro-enterprises till December 2006 was 7.25 lakh and number of person trained was about 9.80 lakh, it said.
Notably, Only 2,01,412 women were assisted under the scheme and just about 1,78,307 thrift and credit societies were formed.
Citing UNFPA's 'State of World Population 2007' report, the Commission said "women are generally poorest of the poor" and improving their situation was "pre-requisite to eradicating poverty."
"The lower number for women indicates that much needs to be done to upgrade their skills and provide them gainful employment," the commission said.
