India does not need a more sophisticated mathematical tool to measure urbanisation. It needs a constitutionally grounded, democratically accountable urban governance framework, according to Tikender Singh Panwar in a recent opinion piece.
The Illusion of Rapid Urbanisation
Panwar argues that the narrative of rapidly urbanising India benefits certain groups while masking deep governance failures. Official statistics often overstate urban growth to attract investment and justify centralised policies, but ground realities tell a different story. Many areas classified as urban lack basic infrastructure, services, and democratic local bodies.
Who Benefits?
The illusion primarily benefits real estate developers, corporate interests, and political elites who leverage the urbanisation narrative for land acquisition, special economic zones, and large infrastructure projects. These actors often bypass local democratic processes, concentrating wealth and power while marginalising existing residents.
Need for Democratic Urban Governance
Panwar emphasises that the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which mandated local urban bodies, remains poorly implemented across states. Many cities lack elected municipal councils, and where they exist, they have limited financial and functional autonomy. A genuine urbanisation agenda must start with empowering local governments through regular elections, devolution of funds, and accountability mechanisms.
Measurement vs. Reality
The author critiques the obsession with metrics like the percentage of population in urban areas or contribution to GDP. These numbers, he says, obscure the lived experience of urban residents who face inadequate housing, water supply, sanitation, and public transport. A more meaningful approach would focus on improving quality of life and ensuring participatory planning.
Conclusion
As India debates its urban future, Panwar calls for a shift from statistical manipulation to constitutional fidelity. Only by strengthening democratic urban governance can the country address inequality, sustainability, and the genuine needs of its growing urban population.
