Urban Management and Development Theory PLNC 5206B

Course description:

This course focus on governance that its theory echoes a great significance in the context of urban development and management.This course introduces the relevant legislation and institutions in urban governance as well as their fundamental democratic nature. The course is divided into five modules. The first module introduces the Indian legal system and the Constitutional foundations of urban local bodies. In this module the role of urban local bodies as democratic institutions and not merely as providers of urban services would be emphasized.The second module provides an overview of central and state legislation dealing with constitution, powers and functions of these bodies. The third module is an attempt to look at environmental laws especially in the context of urban issues. Laws relating to land and property rights are covered in the next module. In the last module, laws that provide for urban planning and institutions for urban planning and governance are discussed along with the reforms carried out. This course would act as a basis for the advanced course on regional planning.

Course Aims:

This course aims to:
  • Explain the importance of legislation and institutions in urban governance and the legal structure within which these institutions operate.
  • Emphasize the democratic nature of these institutions and the need for enhanced citizen participation.
  • Critically look at the urban environmental issues and the legal mechanisms to address these issues.

Course outcomes:

On successful completion of this course the students will be able to: 
  • Appreciate the role of the laws, policies and institutions in the field of urban governance.
  • Be able to critically analyze the laws, policies and judicial decisions in a holistic perspective. 
  • Understand the need for reforms in urban governance and the steps taken in this direction.