Economic Landscape of Dharavi: A Descriptive Study of Demographics, Employment, And Financial Realities

Dharavi, situated in Mumbai, India, is one of the world's largest slums, with an estimated population of 1 million.Despite its economic potential, Dharavi remains inadequately explored.This paper presents a detailed survey of Dharavi residents, covering demographics, employment, financial conditions, and government policies.The survey comprised 52 questions and garnered responses from 504 households.Demographically, the study reveals that Dharavi hosts a diverse population with a significant migrant presence.Most respondents fall within the working age group (21-50), and household sizes vary, with 83.73% having six or fewer members.The survey illustrates a range of income sources, with only 7.34% unemployed.Nearly half of the respondents are self-employed in micro-industries, while 40.28% are engaged in various private jobs, often requiring minimal education and insufficient income.The majority earn below Rs. 30,000 monthly, reflected in meager savings, exacerbated by low awareness of savings schemes despite widespread bank account ownership.The financial burdens revolve around children's education, healthcare, and housing.Although government schemes exist, residents find them insufficient, citing a lack of awareness, enrollment knowledge, and faith in them.The paper offers a nuanced statistical summary, encompassing various factors that collectively portray the intricate economic dynamics of Dharavi.