Majority in Delhi satisfied with quality of life, says report

Among the lowest-income group, 64% of households reported satisfaction with the quality of life

With elections in the national capital slated for November, the Delhi Human Development Report says most citizens here are satisfied with the quality of life. It, however, adds hurdles abound in Delhi becoming a global, inclusive city.

The report was prepared by the Institute for Human Development. In the last few years, Delhi has recorded enhanced incomes, greater economic opportunities and better access to basic services, the report says.

It expressed concern on the lack of equity in the city. It also rued the fact that a large part of the population worked in the informal sector, standards of public health facilities were less than acceptable and public safety was a concern. The report expressed satisfaction on basic indicators such as employment and education.

Among the lowest-income group, 64 per cent of the households reported satisfaction with the quality of life here. In what is symptomatic of the inequality in access to services, 85 per cent of the highest-income group said they were satisfied.

The survey found citizens were most comfortable in interacting with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and the least with the Delhi Police. Watching television was found to be the most popular leisure activity; for youngest age group, it was reading. The report followed two methodologies: First, it considered facts and subsequently, gauged people’s perceptions regarding those. The ‘perceptions survey’ was conducted on a sample size of about 8,000 households. The survey asked participants to rate various developmental issues, as well as their own aspirations.