Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 13
There are 344 homeless persons in Nagaland, as per an affidavit filed in compliance with Supreme Court on the issue.
On December 4, 2024, while hearing a matter concerning the right to shelter for homeless persons in urban areas, the apex court had directed all State Governments and Union Territories to file affidavits specifying the status of homelessness and the facilities available for shelter.
Accordingly, on February 12, the petitioner, an advocate by profession, submitted a chart based on the affidavits filed by various states and Union Territories in response to the court’s directive. The submission was made before a bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih.
As per the data submitted, Nagaland has four shelter homes with a total capacity of 125 persons. However, the petitioner contended that the actual number of homeless individuals in each state should be based on authentic data from the Union Government.
A column in the submitted chart, citing the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), indicated a much higher figure than reported by the states and UTs.
According to the MHA’s data, Nagaland had 876 homeless persons. However, this figure appeared to be derived from the 2011 Census, which recorded 876 homeless persons in Nagaland, with 344 in urban areas and 532 in rural areas. The State Government's affidavitcited figures for urban areas only.
Taking note of this contention, the Supreme Court directed the Attorney General for India to verify the accuracy of the figures with the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Urban Development.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General informed the court that the Union Government is in the process of finalising an Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission Scheme, which aims to address issues related to poverty alleviation, including providing shelter for the urban homeless. The court requested the AG to determine the timeline for implementing the proposed scheme and to place on record the various aspects covered under it. Additionally, the AG was asked to confirm whether the government would continue the National Urban Livelihood Mission until the new scheme is implemented.
Listing the matter for further hearing in six weeks, the Supreme Court also asked the AG to ensure that relevant information is gathered from all states so that the issue can be addressed on a pan-India basis.
Homeless Status in Nagaland
HomelessPeople in theState as per theAffidavit filed by Nagaland Government | 344 |
Number of shelters available in Nagaland as mentioned in the Affidavit | 4 |
Numberof HomelessPeople that can beaccommodated in theShelters available in Nagaland | 125 |
Numberof Homeless PeopleinNagaland as per the Union Ministryof Home Affairs | 876 |
Source: Chart prepared by the petitioner based on the affidavits filed by the states in compliance with the Supreme Court Order Dated December 4, 2024.
