THE CHALLENGES OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND OTHER LIVING CONDITIONS OF SLUM DWELLERS IN KOLKATA

Socio-economic condition denotes the position of an individual in the society. Slums in Kolkata began in British Colonial era during the period of industrialisation and urbanisation but other reasons of slums expansion are war, partition, population expansion etc. Slums are seen almost in every city. This study recognizes the challenges of socio-economic and other living conditions i.e. poor annual income, low paid jobs, poor housing condition, inadequate living rooms, low education level etc. of slum dwellers in Kolkata. The study was conducted among822 slum dwellers from 200 households and qualitative survey research method was adopted. This study reveals that 78% households have income of below one lakh and they have chosen low paid jobs because of their low education. Most of households have not adequate living rooms, separate latrines or separate kitchen rooms. The study also recommends some initiatives to dissolve the challenges e.g. increase income, provision of formal settlement, provision for skill-based training, opportunities for more education, periodical health check-up etc.