ABSTRACT
Scarcity of developed urban land, an accumulating backlog of housing, large deficits in urban infrastructure and services, degradation of the physical environment and an alarming number of urban poor are only some of the problems faced by cities in India. Local urban institutions in India have also been found wanting in meeting the challenges posed by ailing cities, particularly the larger ones. India’s Five Year Economic Plans, state policies and other programmes give priority to the urban development sector, including housing. Under the new division of public/private responsibilities in land development and housing, the official development agencies should concentrate on vigilance and provision of bulk services. The Government of India has introduced major economic policy reforms with a view to accelerate the rate of economic growth. Modern town planning education in India started to develop after independence in 1947. The Indian society and economy are on the threshold of a big and positive change.
