What are the parameters for measuring vulnerability in India’s cities? The process for identifying vulnerability varies in urban areas.  This case examines the India’s Socio Economic and Caste Census and its attempt to provide a standardized model to define vulnerability and provide more accessible and equitable public programmes for the poor. In studying the institutions, instruments and outcomes of how poverty is conceptually framed, measured and addressed, this case highlights the challenges that emerge in designing interventions that benefit the urban poor in India.

About the Case Author
Charis is a Senior Associate at IIHS, primarily concerned with research relating to urban poverty, the urban social safety net and the nature of urban political representation. Charis has worked on consulting and research projects ranging from e-governance and participatory urban planning, to evaluating rural micro-finance and livelihoods schemes. Her research interests centre around designing, measuring and evaluating poverty alleviation schemes in urban India.  She holds a Master of Public Administration from the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, a Master of Public Policy in Democracies from the Hertie School of Governance, and received her Bachelors from Gordon College in the United States.