The city saves money by contracting for almost all of its basic services with the county, but still reaps the benefits of an elected government, which has been in the hands of a small group of men since the city's founding.

FORBES: City of Greed

Dr Dreze cites the example of Brazil where almost half of all health expenses is paid by the government (compared to barely a quarter by India), and where basic health services like immunisation and ante-natal care at birth are almost universal.

BBC: Will cash transfers work in India?