As per Census 2011 Delhi’s population is 16.8 million (2001: 13.85 million). Male: 53.53%, Female 46.47%, children (0-6) 12%.
Total number of households 3.44 million (Urban 97.5% Rural : 2.5%).
It is the most densely populated city, with 11320 persons living per sq km (2001: 9340). North East district is the most dense district in the country (if not the world !) with 37,360 persons per sq km (2001: 29,468) with an increase of around 27% in the density over 10 year period. In stark contrast New Delhi population density is only 4057 per sq km.
Such high density obviously puts huge challenges for the administration, particularly when one considers the national average population density which is 382. Increase in population density has put Delhi’s Housing under strain, as an economic survey of Delhi shows that more than 50% of the households accommodate more than 5 persons in a household.
While per capita income of Delhi at Rs 2.01 lakh per annum is almost three times the national average of Rs 68,747/-.
However despite a perception that large number of women work in capital, census finds that only 10.6% of total women population is working, compared to 53% of male population. Connaught Place has the highest female working population (25.3%) and lowest in Seelampur (only 5.2%).
Other major indicators for Delhi are as follows:
| National Av. | Delhi……… | ||
| 2011 | 2011 | 2001 | |
| Sex Ratio Literacy rates Male Literacy Female Literacy |
960 72.9% 80.9% 64.6% |
868* 86.2% 90.9% 80.7% |
821 81.7% 87.3% 74.7% |
| *Though quite dismal when compared to national average, however this is first time that it has reached this level since 1901, when it was recorded at 862. | |||
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Socio Research & Reform Foundation
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Is restricting migration a matter of political resolve or morality? Does i gel with the idea that we are a nation. Remember agitations in Mumbai against outsiders? Question of illegal colonies is another matter. In every cities these colonies are encouraged, protected and supported by mafia bosses as part of their protection racket, and supported by political bosses as vote bank.
Before the question is addressed we must be clear about the cause.
BPN Singh
Dear Mr Singh,
Thankyou for bringing an important dimension to the debate. Rights of individuals to earn livelihood anywhere in the country without any restriction. The thought behind the argument is well understood and need reiteration in light of ‘outsider’ agitation by Shiv Sena and MNS in Mumbai.
However there is another dimension that is, feasibility of how many a limited space can manage. For example when the population in North East district of Delhi reaches almost 38,000 per sq km, there is physical limitation how much living space, civic facilities would be available to each person. Often limitation in living space leads to unhygienic conditions, water shortage and overcrowding. For example Gurgaon, which in a short span developed mainly from an agrarian district to an international mega hub is facing acute water shortage (likely to provide water at 57 lpcd less than half of 130 lpcd internationally recommended) and being proclaimed by many as a dying city.
My argument is simply that apart from idealistic position, we also need to consider the feasibility of any town / city to cater to the basic needs of the populace which resides in that area, whether it is done by imposing restriction on number of persons living in an area or by augmenting facilities is a decision, which the administrators need to take.
subhash mittal
I think we have not evolved the habit of Indianness. In our petty squabbles, we talk in a very limited circle of caste, creed, religion, language and religion. This is quite fissiparious and is tearing us apart. This enjoins upon all of us to pause for a moment and ponder over the serious consequences of such attitude. We should all rather do it before it is too late.
Delhi has special feature, the door opens only one way. People come in, but do not go out, irrespective of the fact, they may come from any segment of the society. The papulation growth here is (population explosion). Some unpopulat measures need to be taken to control it and have a balanced development. The social imbalances and ills can only be controlled.
Thussu
When compared to national average on income and on literacy, Delhi has done quite well, however as you point out high population (quite likely due to migration from rural areas and even other states / cities) puts a lot of pressure on facilities. On a quick search there are only two cities (Manila in Philippines and Titagarh within Kolkatta), in which have higher density than 37,360 per sq km of North East district of Delhi. This positively puts immense pressure on authorities to provide even a reasonable level of service, however what you have suggested that some restrictions be put on migration, requires huge political resolve, which I am afraid I do not forsee in current political atmosphere.
In fact presently almost all govts want to regularise the unauthorised colonies which come up in unplanned manner, further exacerbating the pressures on flimsy and fragile service infrastructure.