India’s Urban Journey
India is undergoing a major urban transformation, with its urban population expected to be the largest globally in the coming decades.
The urban evolution began post-1990s with liberalisation and continued through various government missions like Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) to the five urban flagship missions
The Union Government has played a crucial role in shaping India's urbanisation through policy and infrastructure projects.
Role of the Centre in Urban Development
Urban development is a state subject, but the Centre has a significant role in guiding urbanisation through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), and Swacch Bharat Mission (SBM).
The Centre’s top-down approach often imposes uniform solutions, which limits flexibility for cities to adapt based on local needs.
Urban missions and central policies, such as metro rail projects, prioritize infrastructure but sometimes overlook local contexts and priorities.
Reasons for a Top-Down Approach
Cities are viewed as “engines of growth,” making urbanisation a priority for the Centre’s economic development strategies.
The Centre’s focus on cities stems from their potential to contribute to economic growth, which aligns with the target of a $5 trillion economy by 2025.
While the Centre allocates budget for urban development, the financial transfers often come with conditionalities that shape urbanisation at the state and city levels.
Need for a More Effective Alternative
The Centre’s role should be more of a guide, with states and local governments playing a greater role in shaping urbanisation.
Urbanisation in India varies greatly across regions and states, with different demographic, economic, and infrastructural needs in places like Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Urban policies should be tailored to local contexts, as “one size doesn’t fit all.”
A more scientific approach to devolution and resource distribution is needed.
Proposed Solution for Urban Development
The Union Budget should devolve 70% of funds directly to states and city governments for local priorities, with the remaining 30% for national projects like climate-resilient infrastructure.
This approach allows cities to prioritize their needs in areas like mobility, sanitation, housing, and water based on specific local requirements.
A direct transfer system would avoid misused funds and ensure that infrastructure projects align with local demand, preventing poor planning and unutilized resources.
Importance of Financial Devolution
A shift in financial devolution is necessary to avoid infrastructural collapse and poor living conditions in cities, ensuring that urban planning is effective and meets real needs.
Redefining the roles of the Centre, states, and local governments in urban missions is essential for India’s urban transformation, improving the quality of life for citizens
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