3.5 INTRODUCTION TO THE ANALYSIS ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY EWS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVE - WORK

3.5.1 INTRODUCTION : GENERAL ISSUES

A live-work unit is a form of residential apartment in which residents can live and work in the same area. This form of housing is becoming increasingly common among low-income households because it allows them to establish and operate small businesses, producing extra revenue. The live-work spaces are particularly important for the economically weaker segments (EWS), who frequently struggle to find safe and reasonable living arrangements

The expensive cost of rent is one of the main obstacles that EWS encounters in getting live-work places. The lack of live-work opportunities can also have an effect on EWS's income. Many EWS may struggle to produce enough revenue to support themselves and their families if suitable business locations are not available. Furthermore, a lack of safe living and working environments can limit the kinds of companies that can be created, stifling economic growth and development.

EWS housing is confronted with a number of significant problems and difficulties. These problems can be broadly divided into three categories: physical, social, and economic challenges:

1. Physical Challenges:

• Availability of adequate space

• Cramped and congested spaces

• Limited open spaces

• Poor ventilation

• Inadequate natural lighting

• Lack of basic Amenities:

• Lack of water supply

• Lack of sanitation facilities

Uncomfortable and unhealthy living conditions may result from the aforementioned difficulties. Inadequate access to basic amenities can also result in unhygienic surroundings.

2. Social Challenges:

• Lack of community spaces

• Cultural conflicts

• Stigmatization

• Social isolation

• Discrimination

A major social issue for EWS housing is the absence of common spaces, which leads to social isolation and the deterioration of community ties. Additionally, the stigma associated with residing in EWS housing makes its people targets of prejudice and social marginalization.

3. Economical Challenges:

• Affordability of the housing

• Limited access to credit

• Financial Insecurity

• Lack of job opportunities

• High costs of land and construction

Economic difficulties are a major worry for EWS housing since citizens' access to affordable housing continues to be an issue. Due to the high cost of land and building, it is frequently difficult for EWS citizens to find permanent homes, which promotes the establishment of slums and informal settlements that are devoid of essential utilities and services. In addition, the scarcity of employment prospects and sources of income in EWS neighborhoods can exacerbate the problem of affordable housing by causing poverty and financial instability.

3.5.2 Issues faced by EWS associated with Live-Work

The following are the issues and challenges when we narrow down the problems faced by EWS associated with Live-Work typology;

1. Challenges associated with Live:

• High Cost: The high cost of rent is one of the key issues associated with the Live typology for EWS housing. Residents of EWS frequently experience financial hardship, let alone the cost of housing units, which can be excessively high.

• Lack of Basic Infrastructure: Residents of EWS may not have access to amenities for accessing electricity, water, or sanitation. It may be challenging to live in a secure environment as a result.

• Lack of space: The growing family and with that the growing needs of them, makes it difficult for the people living in EWS housing to accommodate and survive in the same space over a long time frame.

• Social Stigma: Living in EWS housing is associated with social stigma and discrimination, which can cause social exclusion.

2. Challenges associated with Work:

• Limited access to formal job opportunities: EWS people frequently have restricted access to formal employment prospects because of their inadequate educational backgrounds, lack of practical skills, and discrimination. Because of this, it is challenging for individuals to find permanent, well-paying employment, which results in poverty and financial instability.

• Informal and unstable work: In order to make ends meet, many EWS inhabitants turn to informal and insecure employment like street vending or hourly employment. This form of work frequently lacks security, stability, and benefits, making it challenging for employees to make long-term plans and investments in their companies or professional development.

• Exploitation and low wages: EWS workers are frequently exploited and paid inadequate salaries, especially in the informal sector where there is little control or regulation. This worsens poverty and financial instability, making it challenging for workers to raise their standard of living.

• Lack of training and skill development: EWS residents frequently do not have access to these opportunities, which may limit their job chances and earning potential. EWS people may find it challenging to compete in the job market and secure higher-paying positions without access to formal training and education.

• Discrimination and social exclusion: EWS workers frequently experience discrimination and social exclusion, which restricts their access to employment chances, educational opportunities, and social services. This makes it more challenging for residents of the EWS to improve their living circumstances and quality of life, and it can also perpetuate social inequality and poverty.

3. Challenges associated with Live-Work:

• Lack of Appropriate Spaces: Another issue is the scarcity of Appropriate Spaces for Live-Work Units. Many people who live in the EWS are compelled to work from home, which can be hazardous to their health or there is a scarcity of space to work and live together which can make it difficult to do business.

• Lack of Privacy: The merging of living and working areas may result in a significant loss of privacy for the EWS.

• Limited Business Opportunities: Combining living and working spaces may restrict the kinds of enterprises that may be started, which may have an effect on how much revenue can be made.

• Stigma: Living and working in the same location might add to the stigma attached to EWS housing, which can result in exclusion from society and discrimination.

• Limited Space: Live-work apartments frequently have small spaces, which can make it difficult for EWS to have both a place to live and a place to work.

3.5.3 SRA: A FORMAL HOUSING TYPE

Addressing the Affordable Housing Crisis: The Indian Government's Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) Initiative

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) populations confront a serious problem when it comes to access to affordable housing in urban locations all over the world. To address this issue, the Indian government has implemented a number of programmes, notably the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) initiative. By redeveloping these regions with contemporary facilities and infrastructure, the SRA programme intends to provide official homes to individuals living in informal settlements and slums. However, despite government attempts, there is still a shortage of affordable housing in metropolitan areas, which has led to the creation of informal settlements.

Contrasting Formal Housing and Informal Housing: Key Differences and Living Conditions

Formal housing, commonly referred to as legal housing or planned housing, is housing projects built in accordance with legal requirements. Typically constructed on public property, these houses provide access to basic amenities like clean water, electricity, and sewage facilities. Contrarily, informal housing is frequently built on privately owned or illegally occupied land without government control or clearance. These homes, which are typically self-built by occupants, are devoid of necessities like sewerage and running water. These settlements' living conditions tend to be crowded, which restricts access to basic facilities.

Challenges and Limitations of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) Program

The SRA plan is a legal housing attempt created to give EWS communities living in slums and informal settlements access to cheap housing. The program's goal is to raise residents' quality of life by giving them access to contemporary facilities. However, the program's success has been constrained by a number of issues, including the high expense of both land and construction, the absence of partnerships between the public and private sectors, and insufficient finance.

3.5.4 ISSUES IN SRA HOUSING

The following are the issues and challenges when we narrow down the problems faced by the SRA housing for economically weaker segments;

• Inadequate infrastructure upkeep.

• Inadequate accommodation for the growing families.

• The lack of privacy due to overcrowding conditions.

• Lack of communal spaces leading to social isolation.

• Unsuitable waste management solutions.

• Inadequate access to public transport.

• Absence of employment opportunities in the surroundings.

• Challenges associated with societal stigmatization and prejudice.

One significant problem that SRA residents experience is a dearth of appropriate housing maintenance and upkeep. Many of the structures are badly built and lack appropriate ventilation, which can contribute to health problems. Residents face significant difficulties due to a dearth of essential utilities such as water provision, sewage disposal, and waste management. Another problem is the socio economic difficulties that SRA residents experience. Many of them work as daily wage earners or in the informal sector, and they battle to make ends meet due to poor pay and irregular employment.