Urbanization In North-East India

The present study is confined to the pattern of urbanisation in north-eastern states of India during the 20th century. The book makes an attempt to conceptualise urbanisation for the north-east in the light of the concepts framed by various agencies, particularly Directorate of Census, Government of India. It also highlights various urban indicators. The study gives a special focus on eight states of the north-east which are members of North-Eastern Council, Shillong. The trends of urbanisation level, degree of urbanisation and consequent process of detribalisation are the special areas of emphasis in the present study. The trend of urbanization in the north-east and its consequent impact on the regional economy in the form of commuters, slum dwellers and squatters have been analyzed in the book. The correlation between urbanization and industrialization in these states marks a sincere effort to analyze the degree of interrelationship between these two variables in the north-east which will definitely open a new vista of knowledge for further analysis and research, Computing the composite index for measuring the level of urbanization in the north-eastern part of India is an attempt to look into the problem with multidimentional framework. The workings of Urban Local Bodies of the capital cities of the north-eastern states and their limitations are the other areas of studies which open up scope of making an action plan for adopting a realistic approach to urban development.

Tarun Kumar Bahadur (b. 1963) is presently working as Selection Grade Lecturer in Bongaigaon College, affiliated to Gauhati University, Assam. He graduated with Economics Honours from Bongaigaon College in the year 1980 and completed his Master's degree in Economics from Gauhati University. He joined the College service in the year 1987. During his days of refresher course in the Centre for Urban Economic Studies, Calcutta University, he realised the need of working on urbanisation. Accordingly, he carved out his area of work and completed his Ph.D. from Magadh University. Bodh Gaya (Bihar), on Urbanisation in the year 2005. He has published his research-oriented articles in various local and state-level journals and dailies. The author has now undertaken to promote survey and research work on regional issues by guiding the M.Phil candidates under distance learning in Periyar University, M.K. University and Vinayaka Missions University through the Centre for Regional Economic Studies, instituted in Bongaigaon College by the Department of Economics.