Urbanization in North-East India

Contents: Acknowledgement. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Macro-level analysis of urbanization. 3. Urbanization, industrialization, trade and development. 4. Migrants and commuters in north-eastern states. 5. Economy of slums, squatters and pavement dwellers. 6. Local urban administrations. 7. Inter-state diversity. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"The present study is confined to the pattern of urbanization in north-eastern states of India during the 20 century. The book makes an attempt to conceptualise urbanization for the north-east in the light of the concepts framed by various agencies, particularly Directorate of Census, Government of India. It also highlights various urban indicators. The study gives a special focus on eight states of the north-east which are members of North-eastern Council, Shillong. The trends of urbanisation level, degree of urbanization and consequent process of detribalisation are the special areas of emphasis in the present study.

The trend of urbanization in the north-east and its consequent impact on the regional economy in the form of commuters, slum dwellers and squatters have been analyzed in the book. The correlation between urbanization and industrialization in these states marks a sincere effort to analyze the degree of interrelationship between these two variables in the north-east which will definitely open a new vista of knowledge for further analysis and research. Computing the composite index for measuring the level of urbanization in the north eastern part of India is an attempt to look into the problem with multidimensional framework. The workings of urban local bodies of the capital cities of the north-eastern states and their limitations are the other areas of studies which open up scope of making an action plan for adopting a realistic approach to urban development."  (jacket)