Mapping the dimensions of urban poverty: An empirical examination of its nature, magnitude, and severity in the Muzaffarpur district of Bihar

Abstract

Urban poverty in India continues to be a persistent and intricate issue, especially in small and medium-sized cities where swift urbanisation coincides with inadequate infrastructure and restricted job prospects. This research empirically investigates the characteristics, extent, and intensity of urban poverty in the Muzaffarpur District of Bihar, utilising a sample of 500 urban households obtained through stratified random sampling. Utilising both income-based and multidimensional methodologies, the study amalgamates the Headcount Ratio, Poverty Gap Index, Sen Index, and Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) to measure deprivation across housing, education, health, and livelihood dimensions. We used structured questionnaires to collect primary data and added secondary data from the Census 2011, NFHS-5, and NITI Aayog reports. The results show that 38.6% of urban households live below the poverty line. The Poverty Gap Index is 0.21 and the MPI score is 0.312, which means that the level of deprivation is moderate to high. The most significant deficiencies are in housing quality (67%), access to sanitation (59%), and informal employment (72%). Regression analysis shows that education, household size, and type of job are all important factors that can lead to poverty (p < 0.01). Spatial mapping shows that Ward Nos. 12, 18, and 23 have a higher concentration of poverty. These areas have poor municipal services and informal settlements. The study concludes that targeted interventions integrating skill development, affordable housing, and urban welfare initiatives are crucial to alleviate multidimensional poverty and foster inclusive urban growth in Bihar.