Development paradigms tend to view the poor as the problem and not acknowledge them as people. With over 30-35% people living in slums in India, there is a need to provide a more comprehensive approach. The aim of this multi-pronged consultation was therefore to assess the inclusivity of policies and programmes related to the urban poor including housing, basic services, social infrastructure, rights based initiatives and governance, being implemented at the time. Findings that emerged from the consultation were discussed in the context of their implications on the 12th Five year plan.