URBANIZATION & GROWTH OF SLUMS IN INDIA: EVIDENCE FROM CENSUS OF INDIA (2001-2011)

Abstract

Urbanization has been recognized as a symbol of development as well as a burden over resources. The latter dimension is particularly so in developing countries since the process of urbanization is very rapid. The main reason for rapid urbanization is natural growth, migration from rural to urban areas, and small cities to large cities. It leads to many issues like haphazard urban growth, overcrowding, lack of essential services, ill health, unemployment, inadequate housing facilities, and others. Such problems in developing countries, especially in India, may become acute from its current state of being chronic. Therefore, present research work is an attempt to understand the level, trend, and pattern of urbanization and growth of slums in India during the 2001-2011 census years. Moreover, to examine the association between urbanization and growth of slums in India during the last two decades. In India, the rate of urbanization and slum growth is not equally proportionate. Some states/UTs have a high urban percentage, but a low slum growth rate has been registered, i.e., Chandigarh followed by Pondicherry, Goa and Mizoram. In comparison, some states have low urban population growth, but a high percentage of the slum population is emerging.