To bring a paradigm change in urban planning and development in view of rapid urbanisation, the Modi Government on Tuesday proposed setting up a high-level committee of urban planners, economists and institutions to recommend policies for urban development, capacity building, planning, implementation, and governance.

Presenting the Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is planning a paradigm change in making policies for the urban sector as nearly half of the country’s population is expected to live in those areas by the time India turns 100. She noted that by the year 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, around half of its population is likely to reside in urban areas, which would require orderly development.

“By the time of India @ 100, nearly half our population is likely to be living in urban areas. To prepare for this, orderly urban development is of critical importance. This will help realize the country’s economic potential, including livelihood opportunities for the demographic dividend,” she said. For this, the minister stressed that there is a need to nurture the mega cities and their hinterlands to become current centres of economic growth.

“On the other hand, we need to facilitate tier 2 and 3 cities to take on the mantle in the future. For this to happen urban planning cannot continue with a business-as-usual approach, “ she said adding for urban capacity building, the support will be provided to the states.

“Modernisation of building byelaws, Town Planning Schemes (TPS), and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) will be implemented,” she said, adding this would facilitate reforms for people to live and work closer to mass transit systems.

“The Central Government’s financial support for mass transit projects and AMRUT scheme will be leveraged for formulation of action plans and their implementation for facilitating TOD and TPS by the states,” the minister said.

Experts are of the view that the move is likely to bring about global best practices for urban development. “It is a significant step for defining cities considering the future of mobility, work, heath, education and living,” said Anish Kumar, Co-Lead, Transform Rural India Foundation.

Last year, government think tank NITI Aayog’s report titled “Reforms in Urban Planning Capacity in India” stated that concerted actions were required to bring in more structure, professionalism, and identity to the urban planning profession. It added that 63% of the 7,933 towns and cities (urban settlements) in India do not have master plans, which are considered critical for managing urbanisation challenges. While large scale investment was being made in cities, most cities faced urban planning related issues.