Low-Income Housing in Indian Cities: Some Considerations for Policy

Abstract

Across cities in India, migrant groups, squatters and the urban poor residing in slums have played a crucial role in developing low-income housing. This form of housing is closely connected to the economic activity of the poor, which in turn contributes to the wider urban economy. It also enables the poor to consolidate their position in the city and make claims on the city administration for infrastructure. However, such housing has been bracketed as informal and lacks legitimacy. Policies concerning low-income housing must address this issue while enabling the poor to further their economic and entrepreneurial initiatives.