Rural Development in India: Retrospect and Prospects

The study highlights the process of agglomeration of people and their activities under the impact of the technological revolution which has greatly changed the urban size of major Indian cities. This has resulted in intra-city differences in the levels of well-being in terms of social amenities, social security and social health conditions. There is a striking contrast between the walled city and the outer areas in terms of urban aspects. In spite of high crowding conditions the core areas of Indian cities exhibit relatively better social well-being with social coherence and cultural warmth. The study lays emphasis on keeping ihe city size small, compact and core oriented as it promotes social harmony, conservation of energy and economy in municipal expenditures. This book will be useful to urban sociologists, geographers, planners, civic administrators, behavioural scientists and all those who are interested in knowing about urban affairs.