Write a brief account on Urbanisation Policy in India. Highlight some recently adopted Urban Development policies launched by the Government of India.

Urbanization in India has been a significant phenomenon, with a large and growing urban population. The Indian government has recognized the importance of sustainable and planned urban development and has formulated various urbanization policies over the years to address the challenges and opportunities posed by rapid urbanization.

Urbanization Policy in India:-

The Government of India has adopted various policies and initiatives to promote urban development and address the urbanization challenges. Some of the key aspects of urbanization policy in India include:

1. (A) Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): Launched in 2005, JNNURM was a flagship program aimed at modernizing and upgrading urban infrastructure in cities. It focused on areas such as housing, water supply, sanitation, and urban transport, with the goal of improving the quality of life for urban residents.

2. Smart Cities Mission: Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission aims to transform selected cities into technologically advanced, sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban centers. It focuses on implementing smart solutions for urban challenges, such as efficient transportation, waste management, and energy conservation.

3. (B) Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Launched in 2015, AMRUT aims to improve basic infrastructure services in cities, with a focus on water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management. It emphasizes citizen participation in project planning and implementation.

4. (C) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Urban: Launched in 2015, PMAY-U aims to provide affordable housing to all urban poor by 2022. It includes components for slum redevelopment, affordable housing for the urban poor, and subsidy schemes for homebuyers.

5. (D) National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP): Formulated in 2006, NUTP focuses on improving urban transport infrastructure and promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility. It encourages the development of public transport systems and non-motorized transport facilities.

6. (E) Swachh Bharat Mission - Urban: Launched in 2014, this mission aims to make urban areas open-defecation-free, improve solid waste management, and promote cleanliness and hygiene in cities.

7. (F) National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): Launched in 2015, HRIDAY aims to preserve and revitalize the heritage cities of India and promote their cultural and tourism potential.

Recent Initiatives:-

Some recently adopted urban development policies and initiatives launched by the Government of India include:

1. (A) One Nation One Ration Card: Launched in 2019, this initiative aims to provide food security to migrant workers and urban poor by enabling them to access their ration benefits from any fair-price shop across the country.

2. (B) Sustainable Urban Planning: The government has emphasized the importance of sustainable urban planning and is promoting the development of green and smart cities.

3. (C) Affordable Rental Housing Complexes (ARHCs): Launched in 2020, this scheme aims to provide affordable rental housing to urban migrants and workers. It encourages public and private agencies to develop affordable rental housing complexes.

4. (D) Amrit Mahotsav: As part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations of India's independence, the government is focusing on urban development and infrastructure enhancement to commemorate the occasion.

These policies and initiatives reflect the government's commitment to inclusive and sustainable urban development, with a focus on improving the quality of life for urban residents, promoting infrastructure development, and addressing the challenges posed by rapid urbanization.