National Urban Policy – UPSC GS1

The Union government is set to come up with India’s first National Urban Policy framework by March this year.

The housing and urban affairs ministry has appointed a panel, headed by Smart City Mission Director.

There has never been a comprehensive national policy that spells out the country’s plan for urbanization.

This is because urban development is a state subject until now.

It is a bi-decennial United Nations (UN) conference on housing and sustainable urban development.

New Urban Agenda, released at Habitat III defines what nations are expected to do towards the cause of sustainable urban development in the period 2016-30.

Goal No. 11 of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals requires world leaders to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

As per UN estimates, urban India will have 583 million people by 2030, with an addition of 65 million to the current urban population base

India will account for 18-19 percent of the global increase in urban population and therefore its urban development indicators such as water supply, sanitation, garbage management etc will affect global averages.

Indian cities currently contribute 63 percent of the country’s GDP.

Taking urbanization as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

Citizen-centric approach to align the development agenda of the cities with people’s priorities and needs.

Cooperative federalism: Freedom and resources to states/urban local bodies (ULBs) to design and implement

Focus on infrastructure that leads to delivery of services to citizens

Renewed focus on integrated planning through convergence and qualitative improvements

Commitment to environment sustainability

Focus on inclusive growth

Technology to enhance efficiency of services delivery

It lays down 10 broad levers to make cities work towards greater efficiency, inclusion, sustainability, and safety

Putting in place integrated urban policies consistent with principle of co-operative federalism

Harmonize agglomeration economies

Harnessing the rural-urban continuum

Promoting inclusive urban development

Recognize and actively promote the centrality of sustainability

Empowering municipalities and other local level institutions

Strengthening housing finance system

Provision and financing of urban infrastructure and basic services

Access to social justice and gender equity

Robust urban information system

First, such a policy will outline and highlight the importance and objectives of cities

Second, urbanization in India is a complex issue, with the majority of city-related issues being state subjects

States would have to take the lead in order to make cities vibrant economic centres

However, there is a need to build adequate capacities at the state/urban local bodies level to prepare cities for future challenges

The NUP would set the common minimum agenda, involving participation of all stakeholders

Third, a NUP will provide a framework for states, which would be encouraged and nudged to adopt a state version of this policy