Paper short abstract:

Disparities in access to basic amenities are noted by caste and class affiliation of urban dwellers and across migrant and non-migrant households in India (Kundu,D.,2018). Lack of awareness of child rights exacerbates spatial, economic and social deprivation of poor children in Varanasi.

Paper long abstract:

By 2030, more than 400 million people will be living in cities in India. Today, 1 in every 6 of India's urban households (HHs) live in slums and this number will rise exponentially over the coming years. Disparities in access to basic amenities are noted by caste and class affiliation of urban dwellers and across migrant and non-migrant HHs. It is also noted that the access of the bottom 40% of the population to basic amenities has been low (Kundu, D. et al, 2018). An Urban Situation Analysis using mixed-method approach helps understand deprivation of children in Varanasi. Poor living conditions, lack of access to education and other basic amenities topped with low awareness of basic rights among slum HHs is causing poor development of their children. And, this has critical impact on children's future development and foundational skills to sustain their life in this knowledge/technology driven competitive world. India is a signatory to UNCRC and it has been noticed that the awareness about child rights (CRs) among various stakeholders (duty bearers, development partner, community, children etc.) leaves a lot to be desired. In Varanasi, Central and State Governments have launched various schemes, missions and programmes to address the issue and challenges of urban development including urban poor. But the fruit of development efforts are depriving those located in slums esp. boys and girls of different caste, ethnic groups and economic status. Thus, the awareness of CRs is of utmost importance to help reduce deprivation of poor children.