Analysis of NSSO data sets for a spatial evaluation of water and housing inequality in India

• Published in: Environmental development 2024-11, p.101104, Article 101104
• Main Authors: Ashrit, Radha R., Joshi Kapila, Shipra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: drinking water; housing condition; Quality of life; Socioeconomic inequalities
• ISSN: 2211-4645
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101104

Achieving all Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 to meet basic needs and improve quality of life has become ever more significant. This study examines the accessibility and factors affecting safe drinking water and housing across India's socioeconomic strata to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 06 and 11. The study also assesses government programs that provide affordable housing and safe water. This study analyses key aspects of the 76th National Social Survey on Housing and Sanitation (NSSO WASH) data on housing conditions and drinking water to determine how each component affects people's standard of living. Descriptive analysis, probit, and multinomial logistic regressions were used to tabulate socioeconomic factors such household size, location, gender, income, education, occupation type, social group, and scheme recipient. Our study found that there was 20% more likely that households in the lowest quintile income bracket have access to clean drinking water; thanks to government schemes like the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. Due to socioeconomic inequities, some social groups are more likely to lack safe water services, according to the study. Gender and education, especially female family members, affect access to basic needs. Rural households get 26% less safe drinking water than urban households. Vulnerable groups face lack of access to clean water and safe housing/shelter due to these gaps. Further, a new composite index has been devised to assess housing and clean water inequalities across Indian states. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, research recommends increased government initiatives and investments, as well as appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, for WASH conditions, boosting women's education and awareness in suboptimal states.