Karnataka - Bangalore

Urbanisation not caused by migration alone, says Thakur

Bangalore: The three-day Third International Conference of the Centre for Public Policy of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIMB) was inaugurated by the Governor Rameshwar Thakur here on Sunday.

Addressing the delegates from 18 countries, the Governor said urban governance was a critical area which needed research input. Urban areas, he said, were attractive to people because of educational and job opportunities. Urbanisation is not caused by migration alone.

Many semi-urban and rural areas were also witnessing improvements in infrastructure and amenities and were being transformed into urban spaces.

Such in situ urbanisation is also contributing to the overall increase in the percentage of people living in urban areas.

This development, Mr. Thakur said, was better than migration, as it afforded opportunities for the socio-economic growth in the same areas.

Mr. Thakur said that this combination of continuing migration from rural areas, as well as in situ urbanisation of other areas, made it necessary for the administrators to prepare themselves for the challenges of the ever-growing urbanisation.

“If the plans for future of urban governance are to be successful, we should ensure that we fully understand the potential of new, emerging partnerships between government and those outside it,” he said.

CPP chairman Gopal Naik said that 160 papers had been received from across the world and 115 would be presented during the 30 sessions.

IIMB Director Pankaj Chandra made the introductory remarks and G. Ramesh, conference coordinator, proposed a vote of thanks.

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