Inclusive urban planning: state of the urban poor report 2013

In the last decade, there has been a growing realization that urbanization is one of the key issues that will determine the future course of India's economic growth and development. However, fast-paced urbanization in India has produced an urban crisis, which is marked by the lack of adequate infrastructure and growth management as well as by sharp social divisions. The urban planning system in India—commonly known as master planning or modernist urban planning—has played a key role in institutionalizing these urban exclusions.

A flagship document of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, State of the Urban Poor Report 2013 focuses on inclusive urban planning and analyses India's performance on this front. Using a combination of rich empirical data and rigorous analysis, it covers areas such as spatial development for inclusive settlements; institutional, regulatory, and legislative framework for urban planning; economic contribution of the urban poor; maintenance of tenements for slum rehabilitation; and sustainable transport among others. It also includes case studies on financing of incremental housing improvements, tenure regularization in urban slums, inclusive planning in South Africa and Brazil, development of a cultural district in Hong Kong, and public housing in Canada.

The Report highlights the bottlenecks and elucidates on the policy options and steps required to remove them. It is expected to catalyze policy debates at all levels of government for a more sustainable and equitable urban development.