Evolution of Urban Policy and Unconventional Methods of Governance in India: Exploring Neoliberalization’s Effect

Urbanization is driven by cities and towns as dynamic entities. They now are often mesmerized as nodes in spatial, economic, social, and political geographical networks. In India, the neoliberalization-led practices are inducing globalization process which has triggered a momentum influencing the city development strategy, urban planning, and economic deorganization and reorganization of urban space. Growing recognition of cities as key players in economic growth and development is aligned with changing urban policy planning aiming at making cities competitive, smart, attractive to investment and finance. Urbanization poses opportunities and difficulties for local self-governments. These urban local bodies (ULBs) are now under unprecedented pressure to enhance their capacity and management practices. Thus, urban land has become a contentious resource as well as a conflict-driven commodity affecting marginalized communities and raises concerns about urban inclusivity and liveability. Contestations in urban space also give rise to deepening democracy in cities and towns and influence urban decisions for new infrastructure and basic amenities. New mode of urban governance, approaches and strategies in urban development planning and management seem to be a drift from conventional modalities and a rise of unconventional methods of governance. This Chapter tries to reflect on these transitions taking place in Indian urbanization and governing system with key examples and operational practices.