Q: Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (UPSC 2013 | 15 Marks)

 Q: Discuss the various social problems which originated out of the speedy process of urbanization in India. (UPSC 2013 – 15 Marks)

Introduction 

India’s urban population has increased from 17% in 1951 to nearly 36% in 2021, leading to economic dynamism but also deep social stress. The pace of urbanization has outstripped the capacity of cities to absorb people and provide inclusive development.

Main Body 

 Social Problems Emerging from Rapid Urbanization

1. Growth of Slums and Urban Poverty:
• The influx of rural migrants without parallel housing expansion has led to slum proliferation — e.g., Dharavi in Mumbai, with poor sanitation and overcrowding.
2. Unemployment and Informalization:
• Rapid migration exceeds job availability; over 80% of urban workers are in the informal sector without social security.
3. Housing Shortage and Rising Inequality:
• High real estate prices and land scarcity push low-income groups to peripheral settlements, widening the urban rich-poor divide.
4. Environmental and Health Challenges:
• Pollution, traffic congestion, and waste accumulation — as seen in Delhi’s air quality crisis and Chennai’s water scarcity (2019) — threaten urban sustainability.
5. Social Disorganization and Crime:
• Urban anonymity and alienation foster deviant behaviour, substance abuse, and crime.
6. Cultural Displacement:
• Migrants face marginalization and identity loss, while traditional urban communities face cultural homogenization under globalization.

Way Forward 

To address the social challenges of urbanization, India needs a multi-dimensional and human-centric approach:

1. Inclusive Urban Planning:
• Cities should adopt participatory planning and ensure affordable housing through schemes like PM Awas Yojana (Urban) and Rental Housing Policy.
2. Employment Generation and Skill Development:
• Programs such as Skill India Mission and promotion of urban MSMEs can enhance livelihood opportunities for migrants and informal workers.
3. Strengthening Urban Governance:
• Empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) with financial autonomy and accountability under the 74th Constitutional Amendment is crucial for effective service delivery.
4. Green and Sustainable Urban Development:
• Expansion of public transport, waste recycling, urban forests, and climate-resilient infrastructure under the Smart Cities Mission can ensure ecological balance.
5. Social Cohesion and Community Spaces:
• Promoting inclusive urban culture through community centers, cultural hubs, and local festivals can rebuild social ties and civic engagement.
6. Health and Sanitation Focus:
• Strengthening initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) and National Urban Health Mission to improve living standards in slum areas.
7. Balanced Regional Development:
• Reducing rural–urban migration pressure through rural industrialization and regional growth corridors (e.g., Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor).

Conclusion 

As Louis Wirth observed, urban life transforms social relations; India’s challenge lies in making this transformation inclusive, humane, and sustainable, where cities nurture both economic growth and social well-being.