This subject has gained much importance after slum dweller Joachim Arputham was awarded the Magsaysay award for social work and rehabilitation of dwellers.
To understand the nature of problems that slum dwellers face, the Ramnivas Ruia Junior College has established a centre for slum studies in 2001 where Post Graduate diplomas and certificate courses in Slum Studies and Urban Environment Management are offered to students who are interested in making slums a better place to live in. Speaking to FPJ, Yogita Salvi, Administrative Officer of the faculty stated, “Through these courses we look at the past, present and future of slums as we have to take into consideration their plight. We cannot simply raze them off the surface of the city as relocating the dwellers is very difficult. We have collaborated with almost 3,000 NGOs for policy-making and projects, due to which students are offered a chance to develop contacts with people on a social level.”
After the completion of their course, the students are offered employment opportunities with the Government and various NGOs as planners, implementers and consultants.
Since its initiation in 2001, many slums in the city have been undergoing changes as students are often sent on drives and field visits to create awareness, interact and educate the dwellers on how to live a better life and be happy. Previously, faculty members including Dr Medha Somaiya, Tambe Chandrasheel and a few others conducted a series of lectures and presentations in eight slums to educate the dwellers on lifestyle and management.
The programmes have been well received by the inhabitants as a few have been noticed taking proper care to dispose off the waste in their houses.
“It is not only a cleanliness drive but a kind of social work programme. The poor slum dwellers can’t even move to other places due to financial problems. We are just making their place more clean and hygienic so they can be called houses and not slums,” says Meenakshi Gandotra, an SYBA student of the college.
The Government of India has given a grant of Rs 50 lakh to the college, which is the first in Asia to conduct such a course.