The need for a localised urban agenda, Pg 8

India is undergoing rapid urban transformation; expected to have the world’s largest urban population soon.

• Centre has historically steered urban growth via missions like JNNURM, PMAY, SBM, and AMRUT, using top-down models.

• Urban development remains a State subject, but most urban schemes are centrally funded and guided.

• Central schemes often prioritise technical and financial protocols over local needs, sidelining city-level agencies.

• Centre-driven missions have focused more on metro rail, property tax compliance, and tech-based governance over core infrastructure needs like sanitation, water, housing.

• Suggests greater fiscal decentralisation: Union Budget must route funds via State Finance Commissions to cities.

• Local governments, not distant central ministries, should drive urban policy based on community-level realities.

• Universal solutions fail to address localised issues in diverse Indian cities.

• A shift to bottom-up urban planning is essential for responsive governance.

• Strengthen local bodies, democratise urban finance, and tailor infrastructure to community needs.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the limitations of a top-down approach in urban development. How can fiscal decentralisation and community-led governance enhance urban planning in India?"