A night shelter (also called रैन बसेरा / Rain Basera in Hindi) is a facility providing free or low-cost temporary accommodation to homeless and destitute people, especially in urban areas. Night shelters provide a safe place to sleep, protection from weather, and basic amenities. In India, they are provided by municipal corporations, state governments, and NGOs as part of urban poverty alleviation programmes.
Night shelter (रैन बसेरा) = temporary free accommodation for homeless people in cities.
Provides: sleeping space, sanitation, drinking water — primarily overnight.
NULM (National Urban Livelihoods Mission, 2013) provides night shelters for urban homeless.
Supreme Court (2010): minimum 1 night shelter per 1 lakh urban population.
Delhi: 200+ night shelters operated by DUSIB (Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board).
2011 Census: ~17.73 lakh homeless people in India.
What is a Night Shelter? • A temporary accommodation facility for homeless persons • Provides: sleeping space, roof, basic sanitation • Operated by: municipal corporations, state governments, NGOs • Hindi: रैन बसेरा (Rain Basera) — literally 'place to rest for the night' • Target beneficiaries: homeless, migrant labourers, destitute elderly, pavement dwellers
Features of Night Shelters: • Open usually from evening to morning (overnight stay) • Some operate 24 hours • Basic amenities: sleeping mats/beds, toilets, drinking water • Some provide meals (especially in winter) • Separate facilities for men, women, and families in better-equipped shelters
Government Schemes:
NULM (National Urban Livelihoods Mission): • Launched: 2013 (replaced SJSRY) • Provides: night shelters for urban homeless • Target: homeless, beggars, street children, migrant workers • Under: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Supreme Court Directions: • In 2010, the Supreme Court of India directed all state governments and ULBs to provide night shelters to all homeless persons • Ratio: minimum 1 night shelter per 1 lakh urban population
Delhi Night Shelters: • Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) operates night shelters • Delhi has 200+ night shelters under DUSIB • Free for homeless; include meals during winters
Urban Poverty and Night Shelters: • Urban homelessness is a major social issue in India • 2011 Census: ~17.73 lakh homeless in India • Causes of homelessness: poverty, rural-to-urban migration, unemployment, evictions • Night shelters are a welfare measure — part of social safety net
Challenges: • Inadequate number of shelters in many cities • Poor conditions in some facilities • Lack of awareness among homeless populations • Overcrowding during winter months
Related Terms: • Dharamshala — free accommodation for pilgrims/travellers (usually at religious sites) • Aashray — another term for shelter in Hindi • Urban homeless: counted separately in Census under 'houseless population'
A night shelter (रैन बसेरा) is a facility providing free temporary accommodation to homeless people in cities, offering sleeping space, basic sanitation, and drinking water. In India, they are provided under NULM (National Urban Livelihoods Mission, 2013) by municipal corporations and state governments. The Supreme Court in 2010 directed states to provide minimum 1 night shelter per 1 lakh urban population. Delhi's DUSIB operates 200+ night shelters.
Role of Lenin in the Russian Revolution
Explain the role of Lenin in the Russian Revolution: April Theses, Bolshevik leadership, October Revolution, and building the Soviet state. Class 9 NCERT History.
Sardar Patel Jayanti
Sardar Patel Jayanti is on 31 October (born 1875). Celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since 2014. He integrated 562 princely states. Statue of Unity: 182m tall.
Short Note on Hampi — Vijayanagara Empire Capital
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire (1336–1565 CE) on the Tungabhadra river, Karnataka. UNESCO World Heritage Site with Virupaksha temple and stone chariot.
Six National Parties in India
India has 6 national parties (2023) recognised by ECI: BJP, INC, BSP, CPI(M), NPP, and AITC. A party needs 2% Lok Sabha seats from 3+ states for recognition.
What is the Meaning of Sub-Caste?
Learn the meaning of 'Sub-Caste' in the Indian social system. Understand the difference between a broad Caste (Varna/Jati) and a specific Sub-Caste.
Turn this guide into revision flashcards, a practice exam, or an AI-generated podcast — free, no signup required.