Q. Are slums the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? Explain.

Model Answer:

Slums: Urban Iandia’s Industrial Growth Consequences

According to sociologist M.S.A. Rao, urbanisation in India often takes the form of “rural-urban migration,” where existing urban infrastructure is inadequate to absorb the influx, resulting in the proliferation of slums. These settlements emerge due to the mismatch between the high demand for affordable housing and its limited supply.

Key factors contributing to slum formation:

• Rural-urban migration driven by economic factors
• Inadequate urban infrastructure to accommodate migrants
• High demand for affordable housing with limited supply
• Lack of socio-economic planning in rapid urban growth

Dharavi in Mumbai exemplifies this phenomenon. Industrialisation has attracted a massive workforce to the city, but the lack of affordable housing has led to the growth of one of Asia’s largest slums. Louis Wirth’s concept of “urbanism as a way of life” highlights how such environments impact social relationships and community structures.

Moreover, urban sociologists like Ramkrishna Mukherjee have noted that rapid urban growth without corresponding socio-economic planning leads to informal settlements. From a structural-functional perspective, slums serve as an adaptation to structural constraints in urban areas, providing shelter albeit with inadequate facilities.

In conclusion, slums are indeed manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India, reflecting systemic inadequacies in urban planning.