Homelessness in India: Examining the Role of Poverty, Unemployment, Migration and Urbanization

Komal Gajbhiye, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Homelessness remains a critical social issue in India, with millions lacking access to stable housing. To understand its root causes, it is essential to explore the contributing factors. This study examines key factors such as poverty, migration and urbanization through a state-wise analysis to address the structural issues driving homelessness. Using state-level panel data from the 2001 and 2011 Census of India, the study employed a random effects regression model to assess the impact of these factors on homelessness. Additionally, a rate decomposition model was used to evaluate the contribution of these factors. The results reveal that urbanization and migration, particularly employment-driven migration, are significant predictors of homelessness. The study finds a positive association between homelessness and both the below-poverty line (BPL) rate and urban unemployment. While homeownership and vacancy rates also affect homelessness. Higher poverty and lower housing affordability experience a greater prevalence of homelessness. Rural and urban unemployment were the largest contributors to homelessness, particularly affecting women, with urban female homelessness increasing by 41.67%. In conclusion, without comprehensive housing policies and social safety nets, homelessness in India is expected to rise due to housing unaffordability, poverty, and urban unemployment amidst growing urbanization and migration.

Keywords: Census data, Internal Migration and Urbanization, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Population and Development

See extended abstract.