Dimensions of Urban Poverty in Mizoram an Analysis

The present study is carried out with a mandate to assess the nature of urban poverty in Mizoram from various depths of deprivations like social services and assets, income and expenditure, financial inclusions etc. The literature review is divided into five segments that underline various components of poverty in order to exhibit its intricate nature and the challenges ahead. The introductory highlight reflects the problems of urban poverty in Mizoram, with the state capital Aizawl being the most populous. According to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Baseline Survey 2016, of the total BPL households in urban areas of Mizoram, Mamit district has the highest BPL percentage, followed by Aizawl district. The data for the study has been collected from both primary source with a sample size of 405 households, and secondary source that are analyzed using different statistical tools to suit the need of the study. To further enrich the research and enable better perspective on the nature and dynamics of urban poverty, the un-tabulated unit level data of NSS 61st, 68th and 72nd Survey Rounds on household consumer expenditure were tabulated and analyzed. The multidimensional analysis of the study consists of four deprivation indices namely standard of living, asset, health & nutrition and financial inclusion. Hypothesis testing was done to understand reasons for deprivation, status of financial inclusion and income determinant among the urban poor. Overall, the urban poor show vulnerability to deprivation in areas of these identified poverty indices, additionally it also shows that substantial proportion are likely to fall back to severe deprivation dependent upon their ability to access the basic necessities of life. A significant component of the study is its collection of insightful feedback from the respondents which help to evolve a valuable knowledgebase on aspects that reflect their personal observations and suggestions. Even at the national level, these features play key roles in highlighting typical characteristics and trait of different strata of the population. It is vital to consider the perceptions of the very people who are under observation; their point of views, level of motivation and observation of the general state of affairs etc. In conclusion, the analysis of urban poverty of Mizoram using the official poverty estimates and unit level NSS data could not establish a reasonable trend of the incidence of urban poverty in Mizoram, as it fluctuates with the change in methodology. The MPI analysis has shown a highly sensitive nature of severe deprivation incidence among the urban poor. Though daily labour is significantly the main income source, it also happens to be the most insecure in terms of engagement period, job security, etc. Meanwhile, financial inclusion is observed to be a critical area that required policy attention to enable the poor to leverage the opportunities arising out of economic development through entrepreneurship, business or other ventures. The suggestions and recommendations attempt to formulate meaningful measures to address the issues of urban poverty in Mizoram and enhance the ability of the poor to sustain a meaningful life.

Joseph Lalremsanga is an economic scholar whose research works are confined in understanding the nature and dynamics of poverty, and also the challenges they impose to our society. After completing MA (Economics), MBA (HR), MPhil (Economics), PG Diploma in Rural Development and PG Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication, he acquired his PhD in Economics from Mizoram University. He had served in different capacities in educational institutions- from Schools and Colleges to University, both as teaching faculty and administrator. With more than 20 years of experience in the field of education, he has also exhibited keen interest in areas of youth empowerment and educational entrepreneurship. In addition to his involvements in the academic arena, he considers catering to the spiritual need of the youth to be vital inputs for preparing them to confront the future with purpose and inspiration.