Urbanisation in India: A Past and Future Perspective

The twentieth anniversary of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) passed with little notice, overshadowed by the Mumbai municipal elections. Yet, this milestone offers an opportunity to explore the broader dynamics of urbanisation, a phenomenon transforming national consciousness and political landscapes in India and globally.

Historical Context and Evolution of Urban Policies

• Since the 1980s, the world has been experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 55% of the global population now in urban areas.
• India's urban transition was catalysed by economic policies post-liberalisation, influenced by the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
• Key initiatives in India include: 
  • 1993 Megacities Scheme
  • 2005 JNNURM
  • 2015 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
  • Smart Cities Mission (SCM)
• The urban population in India is projected to rise from 25% in 1990 to 40% by the end of the decade.

Impact of Urbanisation

This urban shift prompts several critical questions regarding its impact on national consciousness, social norms, youth aspirations, and communal violence associated with urban spaces.

Political Implications

• Over 500 million Indians currently reside in urban areas.
• The urban ideal holds increasing conceptual power, influencing national priorities and reshaping the citizen-state relationship.
• Contemporary cities are primarily driven by the goal of attracting global capital and investment.
• This trend leads to: 
  • Gentrification
  • Privileged business enclaves
  • Urban beautification projects
  • Highways and elite cultural festivals

Adverse Consequences

• The top-down urban model favors the wealthy, cosmopolitans, and entrepreneurs while marginalizing less privileged citizens.
• Recent conflicts include: 
  • Agitations against the commercial exploitation of the Aravalli hills
  • Concerns over the Great Nicobar Island Development Project
  • Gig workers' protests against service aggregators

Conclusion

The urbanisation project is not just a material transformation but a new political consensus, promoting market-led development. This shift necessitates a new understanding of democracy, positioning urbanisation as a critical political factor.