Raen Basera In Delhi

Providing shelters to the homeless.

- Himshikha Shukla

A numbing cold continuing to sweep Delhi- NCR, the region recorded its second coldest December since 1901. The mean maximum temperature was 19.15 degrees Celsius. Most parts of the city have witnessed 13 consecutive cold days or a 13-day cold spell. A severe cold day is when the maximum temperature is at least 6.5 degrees Celsius below normal.

According to DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board), the homeless in the capital are migrants who come here, particularly from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha, for work. “When there are thriving opportunities, they live on the streets. When there is less work, they move to other states,” said a member of DUSIB.

The low census count is attributed to the difficulties of counting those without a permanent house or the fact that the census data on homelessness exclude those such as construction laborers who sleep where they work.

It is well said, “Delhi now belonged to everyone who lived in it. But no one belonged to Delhi.” People who land in Delhi in search of jobs are compelled to live in open; many of them are forced to lead a life as non-citizens. Problems are compounded by the social exclusion they face from public and administration as being unhygienic and at times criminal as well.

These kinds of perceptions lead to missed opportunities in fields of jobs, and education leaving them susceptible to exploitation. Greater prevalence of risky sexual behavior and addiction is usually seen. Contrary to popular perception about the homeless, they show a considerable contribution to the economy of India.