Topic – Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
5) Discuss the problems faced by small towns in India. Do you think they have gained enough attention from various urban development programmes. Comment.(250 words)
Why this question
While various urban development programmes have been launched across the country, Indian towns in which about one-fourth of Indian population resides have not been able to develop at par with big cities. The article discusses the economic dilemma and problems faced by such towns and their importance in various urban development programmes.
Directive word
Discuss- this is an all-encompassing directive which mandates us to write in detail about the key demand of the question. we also have to discuss about the related and important aspects of the question in order to bring out a complete picture of the issue in hand.
Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.
Key demand of the question.
The question wants us to write in detail about the problems faced by small Indian towns. It then wants us to express our opinion as to what extent have the various urban development programmes helped the small towns of India.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– write a few introductory lines about the Indian population living in small towns. E.g One-fourth of the urban population lives in small towns (20,000 to 1,00,000 population).
Body-
- Discuss the problems faced such small towns. E.g Small towns in India are something of an oxymoron. They are far removed from cities in character and appearance and are constantly struggling to establish. Every small town in India has its unique story and significance but their problems are similar — lack of basic services, dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded spaces and dwindling job opportunities.They have private schools and clinics, a variety of fast-food eateries, modern tailoring shops and mobile and electronic stores. Such entrepreneurial energy says something about the growing small-town population which desires better services and an improved quality of life. But this is relatively unrecognised by the government.
- Discuss the various urban development programmes and their contribution towards development of small towns in India. E.g The UPA government’s urban development programme, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), covered both big cities and small towns but gave financial preference to the former.JNNURM was replaced by the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) that focuses on infrastructural development for Class I cities (those with a population of one lakh and above). The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) was launched to address our growing fascination with world-class cities that use technology to improve their services etc.
Conclusion– based on your discussion, form a fair and a balanced conclusion on the given issue.
