Homelessness

Introduction

A census conducted in 2001 indicates that there are 1.94 million homeless people in India. This figure, however, appears to be an underestimate. Independent estimates suggest that the numbers of street children and beggars alone are 18 million and 6 million, respectively. Homeless people are among the most disadvantaged sections of society, and particularly vulnerable to hunger and as well as to extreme weather conditions, sometimes leading to death from starvation or cold. According to the Commissioners' Eighth Report, 60 per cent of homeless persons are not covered by any food schemes or other forms of assistance.

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