ABSTRACT
Urban poverty remains a persistent challenge in Bihar, one of India’s least urbanized yet most
densely populated states. Despite rapid economic reforms and a series of targeted welfare
schemes, the effectiveness of government policies in alleviating poverty in urban Bihar
remains underexplored. The present study assesses the outcomes and efficiency of key
government interventions such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban),
National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), Public Distribution System (PDS), and Direct
Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiatives in reducing multidimensional poverty among urban
households. Using a mixed-method design, the study surveyed a sample of 500 urban poor
households selected from Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur, representing different
levels of urban development within the state. Primary data were collected through structured
questionnaires focusing on income, employment, housing, education, and access to welfare
benefits. Quantitative analysis employed descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and logistic
regression to measure the impact of policy participation on income stability, food security,
and housing improvement. Qualitative data from focus group discussions (FGDs) and
interviews with municipal officials complemented the findings. The results indicate a
significant improvement in income stability and housing quality among beneficiaries of
PMAY and NULM, with approximately 68% reporting better livelihood opportunities and
59% noting improved housing conditions. However, issues such as irregular DBT payments,
bureaucratic delays, and limited awareness of entitlements undermine the potential impact of
these schemes. Gender and education were found to be strong predictors of successful benefit
utilization, with women-headed households facing greater barriers in documentation and
access. The study concludes that while Bihar’s urban poverty policies have made measurable
progress in infrastructure and inclusion, their effectiveness is constrained by governance
inefficiencies and inadequate local capacity. Strengthening implementation frameworks,
expanding skill-based livelihood programs, and improving transparency through digital
monitoring can enhance long-term poverty alleviation outcomes.
Keywords: Urban poverty, Bihar, PMAY, NULM, policy effectiveness, urban livelihoods,
direct benefit transfer, socioeconomic inclusion.