Mention various methods of functional classification of towns in India and explain the method applied by Asok Mitra.

Various Methods of Functional Classification of Towns in India

Several methods have been employed to classify towns functionally in India. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Census of India Classification: The Census of India classifies towns based on population size, density, and proportion of the non-agricultural workforce. While useful for broad categorization, it doesn’t fully capture the functional diversity of towns.
• Dominant Occupational Classification: This method categorizes towns based on the primary occupation of the majority of the workforce. For example, towns with a large proportion of workers engaged in agriculture are classified as agricultural towns, while those with a significant industrial workforce are classified as industrial towns.
• Field Survey Method: This involves detailed field surveys to identify the economic activities and functions performed in a town. This method provides a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the town’s functional profile but is time-consuming and expensive.
• Statistical Methods: Techniques like factor analysis and cluster analysis are used to identify groups of towns with similar functional characteristics based on various socio-economic indicators.
• Central Place Theory based Classification: This approach, inspired by the work of Christaller and Lösch, classifies towns based on their hierarchical position in the urban system and the range of goods and services they provide to surrounding areas.

Asok Mitra’s Method of Functional Classification

Asok Mitra’s method, developed in the 1960s, is a more sophisticated approach that considers the degree of urbanization and the diversity of economic activities in a town. It moves beyond simply identifying the dominant occupation and attempts to capture the complexity of urban functions.

Key Features of Mitra’s Method:

• Three-Dimensional Classification: Mitra proposed a three-dimensional classification based on three key parameters:
  • Degree of Urbanization (DU): This is calculated as the percentage of the non-agricultural workforce in the total workforce.
  • Diversity of Economic Activities (DEA): This is measured by the number of occupational categories with a significant share of the workforce.
  • Dominance of a Single Occupation (DSO): This indicates the extent to which a single occupation dominates the town’s economy.
• Six Functional Classes: Based on these three parameters, Mitra identified six functional classes of towns:
  1. Class I – Manufacturing/Industrial Towns: High DU, low DSO, high DEA.
  2. Class II – Transport/Commercial Towns: High DU, low DSO, moderate DEA.
  3. Class III – Administrative/Service Towns: Moderate DU, low DSO, moderate DEA.
  4. Class IV – Agricultural Market/Trading Towns: Moderate DU, moderate DSO, low DEA.
  5. Class V – Mining/Plantation Towns: Moderate DU, high DSO, low DEA.
  6. Class VI – Rural Towns: Low DU, high DSO, low DEA.
• Emphasis on Inter-relationships: Mitra emphasized the importance of understanding the inter-relationships between towns and their hinterlands. He argued that towns are not isolated entities but are part of a larger regional system.

Advantages of Mitra’s Method:

• Provides a more nuanced and comprehensive classification than simpler methods.
• Considers the diversity of economic activities, not just the dominant occupation.
• Highlights the importance of inter-town relationships.

Limitations of Mitra’s Method:

• Data requirements can be substantial, particularly for calculating DEA.
• The method may not fully capture the informal sector activities.
• The classification can be sensitive to changes in economic conditions.

Example: Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) would likely fall under Class I (Manufacturing/Industrial Towns) due to its high degree of urbanization, diverse economic activities related to steel production, and relatively low dominance of a single occupation. Conversely, a small town primarily serving as a market center for surrounding agricultural areas, like Nizamabad (Telangana), would likely be classified as Class IV (Agricultural Market/Trading Towns).