Addressing Urban Poverty in Bihar: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities: Regional Consultation

In India and in Bihar, the urban poor are theoretically entitled to certain social security schemes. Pensions (for widows, physically-challenged citizens, students), trainings and even infrastructural assistance are supposed to be provided by the government to answer the urgent needs of these highly marginalized populations. However, despite a legal framework apparently favourable to poorer citizens, a very broad information gap separates citizens from the potential benefits they could draw. Even when citizens are aware of their rights, they are frequently too poorly informed regarding the procedures to claim their entitlements.  
A solution is urgently needed to find a way to inform the urban poor in a more efficient and suitable way. A solution should also be found to improve the connections between the State and poorer communities. PRIA (in collaboration with DVAS) organized a consultation with this purpose of creating an interface through which slum dwellers and their representatives could find a common ground to bridge the information gap. 
The consultation took place at a time when Rajiv Awas Yojana (the national project of “Slum Free India”) is about to reach Bihar’s slums. The impact of this programme could be potentially massive; some slums will finally obtain legal recognition and infrastructural development, while others will be forced to relocate. In this context, enhancing the communication between state officials and concerned citizens is especially urgent. Citizens should to be given the capacity to defend their rights, and the authorities should be made capable to reach the masses.

The consultation discussed the issues, challenges and opportunities for implementation of citizen-centric urban poverty measures in Bihar. It also helped build alliances and explore collaborations in seeking solutions to urban poverty issues in Bodh Gaya. Multiple stakeholders participated, including the state minister for Urban Development and Housing, Government of Bihar; Member of Parliament, Gaya; vice-chairperson of the municipality, elected representatives, academia, citizens from slums and CSOs. 
The consultation allowed a larger sharing of PRIA’s initiatives to address the issue of urban poverty. Bodh Gaya, being a city of religious importance, is on the international tourist circuit, but efforts to address urban poverty issues in the city have not been taken. This consultation was a first for Bodh Gaya to discuss these issues. The presence of several media representatives helped create a buzz. It prompted assurances by state officials to respond to the situation, particularly the minister, who assured all possible support of the government machinery.