A Study of Urban Poverty in Mizoram With Special Reference to Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) Area

Abstract

Urban poverty is a multidimensional phenomenon. The urban poor live with many deprivations and exceptions that need to be addressed with appropriate policy having a vibrant monitoring system for their effective implementation. We are living in the era of ‘urban century’ where urban areas now support most of the world’s economy and more than half of its population including Mizoram where fifty-two per cent of its population lives in urban area. This article briefly dealt with the recent status of urban poverty in India and Mizoram as a whole and presents the current scenario of poverty levels within Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, using a baseline survey of Below Poverty Line (BPL) data 2016, conducted by Mizoram Statistical Development Agency (MSDA), Directorate of Economics and Statistic. The survey revealed that the percentage of urban poverty is steadily declining. To further reduce urban poverty, it is suggested that the competent authority should give more power and responsibility to the city administration, private agencies, NGOs and community organisations without overlooking the role of the state.