The National Slum Dwellers Federation (NSDF) in India was established by Jockin Arputham when he fought on behalf of a community of 70,000 to appeal a 1976 eviction order. It is a national organization which brings together multiple communities and their leaders who live in slum settlements around India.[1] NSDF along with Mahila Milan are one of the oldest members of the Urban Poor Fund International Network. Due to the efforts of NSDF, around 90 buildings and 300 toilet blocks have been constructed in Mumbai, providing houses and sanitation to over 35,000 families.[2] Additionally, around 100 toilet blocks have been constructed in Pune.[2]
In the 1980s, NSDF formed an alliance with Mahila Milan and SPARC,[3] and this alliance became the basis for establishing Slum Dwellers International in 1996.[4]
In 1999, National Slum Dwellers Federation won the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award.