SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE HOUSELESS POPULATION IN RURAL-AREAS

The study examines the living conditions of the houseless people in ru ral areas. It reveals that most of the houseless belong to scheduled c astes, usually migrants shifting their residence frequently in search of jobs including farm jobs. Non-workers among them eke out their livi ng through beggary. None of their children is sent to school. Demograp hically this is a problem group characterised by very early marriage, high fertility and high mortality. Though there is a surfeit of vacant houses in the country side, they are obliged to live roofless. The co ncluding section sets out some prescriptions for ameliorating their mi serable existence.