Articles by V Nath

V Nath If the enormous expenditure of money and intellectual manpower in holding UN conferences at regular intervals is instead channelised in directly alleviating problems of the less developed countries, better results might accrue.

Social Organisation in an Indian Slum by Ratna N Rao; Mittal Publications, New Delhi, 1990; pp 260 + vi.
THIS book is a valuable addition to the rather meagre literature on the poor living in slums of India's metropolitan cities. Its value lies in its comprehensive coverage and deep insights into the life of the Wadars living in a slum called Wadarwadi which is located in the north-western part of Pune. The traditional occupation of the Wadars is work on construction of buildings and roads. They are stone cutters, unskilled construction workers and masons. Most of the Wadars of Wadarwadi are engaged in these activities, although a few of them work also as 'mukadams' (labour supervisors), sub-con- tractors or contractors on construction works, messengers and clerks in government offices.

1991 Population Census: Some Facts and Policy Issues V Nath Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, Census of India 1991. Series-1 India. Paper 1 of 1991. Provisional Population Totals, New Delhi,

WHO migrate? Why do they do it? What satisfactions or relief from problems in their original homes do they seek in migration? How do they decide where to go? What problems do they face as a result of the migration, which involves for most migrants, leaving the security provided by the family, the community, well-established patterns of work and of economic and social relationships, to live and work in a radically different often harsh and hostile environment and among people most of whom are strangers. For most male migrants to the cities migration involves, in addition, separation from their families for long periods with its attendant loneliness and hardship for both themselves and their families. How, by whom and why are the migrants provided with the information required to take the decision to migrate and to choose the place of migration and the work there. By whom are they assisted in this place in finding a job and a place to live in, and to make the numerous adjustments required for living there. In other words, what are the information and support systems that the migrants seek and find for taking the decisions, mentioned above? Is migration by individuals or by groups? Is it permanent/long-term, temporary/ short-term, seasonal or year-round? What problems do the migrants create in the places of in-migration? What adjustments are required by the older residents of these places at individual, community or government structure levels, to solve or mitigate these problems? What new perceptions, attitudes and patterns of interaction between the migrants and the older residents must evolve so that the two groups can live in peace and harmony, without conflict or tensions?