INDIA’S URBAN TRANSFORMATION: A REVIEW OF URBAN POLICIES AND CHALLENGES

This paper examines the global process of urbanization in general and India's own urban challenges in particular. It reviews India's policies of urban development over the years besides its various initiatives and preparedness to meet urban challenges and ensure urban transformation. In the process, the paper investigates whether the ubiquitous urban deficit in India is the outcome of the so-called 'reluctant urbanization' and can the current policy of creating hundred smart cities lead to urban transformation in India. This paper is based on the qualitative analysis of the available secondary data from various sources. By critically examining the available secondary data this paper explores whether India's urban deficit is a result of poor planning or lack of long term vision and strategy to meet the emerging urban challenges. This paper also critically looks into the emerging ICT-driven models and design of the ‘smart cities' and analyzes the role of design, technology, and innovation in making the cities smart and future ready.