Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Ashok Mitra, a renowned economist and former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of West Bengal, proposed a unique classification of Indian cities in the 1960s, challenging the conventional demographic-based categorization prevalent at the time. His work emerged from a critical assessment of the limitations of existing urban classifications, particularly their failure to capture the socio-economic realities of Indian cities and their role in the national economy. Mitra argued that a purely population-centric approach overlooked the functional diversity and economic linkages that defined urban centers. His classification aimed to provide a more nuanced understanding of urbanization patterns and inform regional development policies.
Ashok Mitra’s Classification of Indian Cities
Ashok Mitra’s classification, detailed in his work “Urbanisation and Regional Development” (1961), categorized Indian cities into three broad groups based on their ‘degree of urbanisation’ and ‘character of economic activity’. This classification moved away from simply relying on population size and density.
1. Cities of Regional Economic Dominance (Class I)
These cities act as the primary drivers of economic activity within a larger region. They possess a diversified economic base, including manufacturing, trade, transport, and administrative functions. They exhibit strong backward and forward linkages with the surrounding rural areas, influencing agricultural production and providing markets for rural goods.
- Characteristics: High levels of employment in non-agricultural sectors, significant industrial concentration, well-developed infrastructure, and a large tertiary sector.
- Examples: Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi (as of the 1960s context).
2. Cities of Local Economic Dominance (Class II)
These cities serve as centers for a smaller, localized region. Their economic activity is primarily focused on processing local agricultural produce, providing basic services to the surrounding rural population, and serving as trading centers for local goods. They have limited industrial development and a weaker connection to the national economy compared to Class I cities.
- Characteristics: Predominance of small-scale industries, reliance on agricultural trade, limited infrastructure, and a smaller tertiary sector.
- Examples: Kanpur, Coimbatore, Ludhiana (in the 1960s context).
3. Dependent Towns (Class III)
These towns are heavily reliant on larger cities for economic support. They lack a diversified economic base and primarily function as residential or administrative outposts for the surrounding urban areas. Their economic activity is largely determined by the demands of the larger cities they serve.
- Characteristics: Limited economic independence, high levels of commuting to larger cities, dependence on external investment, and a weak industrial base.
- Examples: Faridabad (linked to Delhi), Jamshedpur (linked to Kolkata) – these examples are based on the context of the 1960s.
Rationale and Significance
Mitra’s classification was significant because it highlighted the uneven spatial distribution of economic development in India. He argued that the concentration of economic activity in a few large cities (Class I) led to regional imbalances and hindered the overall development of the country. His work emphasized the need for policies that promote the growth of smaller cities (Class II) and reduce their dependence on larger urban centers. He advocated for decentralized planning and investment in infrastructure and industries in lagging regions.
| City Class | Economic Base | Regional Linkages | Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class I | Diversified (Manufacturing, Trade, Services) | Strong, Wide-ranging | Well-developed |
| Class II | Agricultural Processing, Local Trade | Moderate, Localized | Limited |
| Class III | Dependent on Larger Cities | Weak, External | Poor |
Conclusion
Ashok Mitra’s classification of Indian cities, though formulated in the 1960s, remains a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of Indian urbanization. It underscored the importance of considering socio-economic factors alongside demographic criteria when analyzing urban centers. While the specific examples may have evolved with changing economic landscapes, the underlying principles of regional economic dominance and dependence continue to be relevant in contemporary India. His work serves as a reminder of the need for balanced regional development and the importance of fostering self-reliance in smaller cities.
Answer Length
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