ABSTRACT

HOMELESS POPULATION IN INDIA AND ITS STATES: PATTERN AND STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Journal: Social Values and Society (SVS)
Author: Atiqur Rahman, Jabir Hasan Khan, Asif Anwar*

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/svs.01.2025.06.14

This study explores the patterns and structural dynamics of homelessness across India, highlighting sociodemographicvariations and determinants based on Census 2011 data. Homelessness, characterized by theabsence of adequate shelter and privacy, disproportionately affects urban areas, with 53% of the homelesspopulation residing in cities. The analysis reveals significant gender disparities, with males comprising 59%of the homeless, often linked to migration for work, while women face unique vulnerabilities. Illiteracy isprevalent, with 67% of the homeless population lacking education, and caste analysis shows over 70% belongto non-SC/ST groups. Employment patterns indicate that 52% of the homeless are engaged in work, primarilyas casual laborers, while non-working rates are higher in rural areas. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,and Rajasthan report the highest homelessness, whereas northeastern states have lower proportions. Urbanmigration, limited affordable housing, and socio-economic disparities emerge as key drivers of homelessness.Regression analysis highlights significant associations with urbanization, illiteracy, and working status. Thestudy emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, including expanded affordable housing schemes,vocational training, and gender-sensitive policies, to address homelessness effectively. These findingsunderscore the urgency of creating inclusive, sustainable housing solutions to mitigate homelessness and itssocio-economic impacts in India.

Pages 06-14
Year 2025
Issue 1
Volume 7