Summary of Chapter 1: The Profession, Roles, Responsibilities, and Ethics

This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of urban and regional planning, professional
planning practice, the roles and responsibilities of spatial planners, and the ethical
considerations governing the profession.

1. What is Urban and Regional Planning?

Urban and regional planning, also known as physical or spatial planning, involves the
formulation of development plans for cities and regions to regulate land use and
infrastructure development. The process is cyclic, involving:

 Identifying goals and objectives

 Assessing issues and potentials

 Evolving and evaluating alternative plans

 Preparing and implementing the plan

 Reviewing feedback to refine or revise the plan

Planning addresses various socio-economic, environmental, administrative, and political

concerns. It can be strategic, comprehensive, policy-oriented, or specific (e.g., transportation,
heritage conservation, urban renewal).

A region is defined by its common features, which could be geographical, economic, or

socio-cultural. Regional planning includes urban and rural development and integrates
various disciplines such as administration, engineering, economics, and sociology.

Issues with Traditional Planning Approaches

A 1995 national workshop highlighted deficiencies in master plans, including:

 Long-term plans (20 years) failing to adapt to rapid changes

 Rigid and static processes

 Lengthy approval times making plans obsolete before implementation

 Lack of integration with investment and poor coordination among agencies

 Ineffective monitoring and review mechanisms

To address these issues, the Urban Development Plan Formulation and Implementation
(UDPFI) Guidelines were introduced in 1996, promoting a dynamic and participatory
planning system.

2. Recent Reforms in the Planning System

Types of Plans Advocated by UDPFI Guidelines

1. Perspective Plan (Long-term, 20-25 years)

o Provides a vision for urban development, integrating socio-economic and

environmental sustainability.

o Aligns with national five-year plans.

o Reviewed every 10 years.

2. Development Plan (Medium-term, 5 years)

o Legal document outlining social, economic, and physical development.

o Notifies property owners and developers about land use regulations.

o Guides infrastructure agencies.

3. Implementation Plans

o Annual Plans: Budgetary plans ensuring timely project execution.

o Project/Scheme Plans: Detailed execution plans for specific developments

(e.g., residential, commercial, transport).

These plans ensure adaptability, participatory governance, and efficient implementation.

3. What is Professional Planning Practice?

Professional planning practice involves applying specialized knowledge and expertise in

spatial planning. It includes:

 Site, city, regional, and national-level planning

 Sector-specific plans (housing, transport, utilities)

  Research and education in planning

Types of Assignments in Planning

 National Level: Policy formulation, program development, guidelines, and model

laws.

 Regional Level: Development of regional plans (industrial, environmental, disaster

management, tourism, etc.).

 Urban Level: Preparation of city-wide and local plans (zonal, ward, transport,
infrastructure).

 Development Management: Implementation, enforcement, and coordination of

urban plans.

 Real Estate Development: Advising private and public entities on land use and
investment.

 Legal & Advisory Services: Expert consultation, arbitration, and representation in

legal matters.

 Education & Research: Teaching, workshops, curriculum design, and field studies.

4. Types of Professional Planning Practice

1. Public Sector: Government-driven planning at national, state, and local levels.

2. Private Sector: Planning services by private firms, NGOs, and consultants.

3. Joint Sector: Partnerships between government and private firms.

4. International Practice: Global projects under World Trade Organization-General

Agreement on Trade in Services (WTO-GATS).

While the public sector dominates in India, private and joint sector involvement is increasing.

5. Who is a Spatial Planner?

A spatial planner (urban and regional planner) is a professional trained in planning,

possessing skills in:
  Data analysis

 Coordination across disciplines (architecture, engineering, economics)

 Development project management

They ensure sustainable, systematic urban and regional growth.

Roles of a Spatial Planner

 Technical Expert: Develops and enforces urban and regional plans.

 Development Manager: Oversees plan approval, resource mobilization, and

implementation.

 Enforcement Agent: Ensures compliance with legal planning frameworks.

 Turnkey Project Operator: Manages end-to-end project execution.

 Advisor: Provides policy recommendations to governments and institutions.

 Advocate of Planning: Promotes public participation in planning processes.

 Salesperson: Gains political and financial support for planning initiatives.

 Arbitrator: Mediates disputes in planning matters.

 Researcher & Academic: Contributes to theoretical advancements and education in

planning.

6. Qualities and Responsibilities of a Spatial Planner

A spatial planner must demonstrate:

 Professionalism: Integrity, competence, and commitment to public welfare.

 Communication Skills: Effective dialogue with politicians, administrators, and

citizens.

 Social Responsibility: Advocacy for sustainable and equitable urban development.

 Confidentiality: Maintaining client trust and legal compliance.

 Loyalty to Clients: Offering impartial and sound planning advice.

They should also contribute to education by mentoring students and participating in research
initiatives.

7. Clients of Spatial Planners

Clients can be categorized as:

 Public Sector: Government ministries, municipalities, research institutions.

 Semi-Public Sector: Development authorities, infrastructure agencies, financial

institutions.

 Private Sector: Individuals, corporations, builders, consultancy firms, NGOs.

 International Clients: Global development agencies (UNDP, World Bank).

Clients define project scope, funding, and timelines, ensuring effective collaboration with
planners.

8. Code of Professional Conduct

The Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI) sets professional ethical standards for
planners. Violations can lead to disciplinary actions.

Key Ethical Guidelines

 Serve public interest and promote social justice.

 Maintain honesty, integrity, and impartiality.

 Provide timely and accurate planning information.

 Refrain from undercutting fees or engaging in unfair competition.

 Avoid conflicts of interest and uphold confidentiality.

ITPI’s Code of Conduct further details responsibilities toward:

 Clients: Honesty, transparency, and confidentiality.

 Employees: Fair treatment and professional development support.

  Students: Mentorship and academic guidance.

Conclusion

This chapter establishes urban and regional planning as a dynamic, multidisciplinary

profession critical for sustainable development. It outlines the planner’s roles, ethical
responsibilities, and professional practices, advocating for adaptive, participatory, and
transparent planning systems. The profession is evolving, with increasing private and
international involvement, requiring planners to be skilled managers, communicators, and
policymakers.
Summary of Chapter 2: Professional Practice in the Public Sector

This chapter explores the role of the public sector in urban and regional planning in India.
It explains how different government agencies participate in planning at various levels—
national, interstate, state, district, metropolitan, and local. It also highlights key policies,
challenges, and future directions in public sector planning.

1. Introduction: The Role of Public Sector in Urban and Regional Planning

Urban and regional planning in India has historically been controlled by the government,
particularly state governments, due to land being a state subject as per Entry 18 of the State
List in the Indian Constitution.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA), 1992 marked a major reform by
empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) such as municipalities and district planning
committees (DPCs) to handle planning responsibilities. However, most states have not fully
transferred this power to local governments, meaning planning remains primarily a state
function.

The levels of public sector planning in India are:

1. National Level – The Central Government formulates policies and funding

strategies.

2. Interstate Level – Planning for regions covering multiple states, e.g., National
Capital Region (NCR).

3. State Level – Each state government has a planning board and urban
development authorities.

4. Metropolitan Level – Large urban areas have Metropolitan Planning Committees

(MPCs).

5. District Level – District Planning Committees (DPCs) coordinate urban and rural
planning.

6. Local Level – Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Special Agencies oversee

city planning.
2. Urban and Regional Planning at the National Level

The Central Government plays an indirect but important role in urban planning by setting
national policies, allocating funds, and monitoring urban projects.

Key National Planning Functions:

1. Developing Policies and Guidelines for urban and regional development.

2. Prioritizing Urban Development in National Plans.

3. Allocating Central Funds to states and cities.

4. Monitoring Implementation of central programs.

5. Providing Research and Training Support for planners.

6. Planning Union Territories (since they are under central control).

Important National Planning Bodies

(a) Planning Commission (Now NITI Aayog)

 Established in 1950 to prepare Five-Year Plans and allocate resources.

 Criticized for focusing on economic planning rather than spatial planning.

 The Housing, Urban Development, and Water Supply Division is understaffed

with urban planners, despite being responsible for urban and regional policies.

(b) Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD)

 Established in 1952 to oversee urban policies, infrastructure, and environmental

management.

 The Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO) serves as its technical
wing.

 Responsible for model planning laws and funding urban infrastructure projects.

 Only directly governs Delhi and Union Territories.

(c) Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA)

 Focuses on affordable housing, slum redevelopment, and urban poverty

reduction.
  Governs major institutions such as:

o HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation): Provides

housing finance.

o NBCC (National Building Construction Corporation): Engages in large-

scale housing projects.

o BMTPC (Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council): Develops

low-cost, eco-friendly building materials.

(d) Other Ministries Influencing Urban Planning

 Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) – Regulates land use and pollution
control.

 Ministry of Commerce & Industry – Develops Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

and industrial hubs.

 Ministry of Transport & Highways – Plans road networks and metro projects.

 Ministry of Railways, Civil Aviation, Defence, and Tourism – Develops transport,

defence zones, and tourism infrastructure.

3. Interstate Urban and Regional Planning

The only example of interstate regional planning in India is the National Capital Region
Planning Board (NCRPB).

National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)

 Covers Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

 Established in 1985 to balance regional development and prevent uncontrolled

urbanization in Delhi.

 Composed of 21 members, including ministers and senior officials.

 Led by a Member Secretary and a Chief Regional Planner.

The NCRPB model could be used for other large regions, such as the Mumbai
Metropolitan Region or Bengaluru Metropolitan Area.
4. State-Level Urban and Regional Planning

Each state government manages urban planning through several departments and
agencies.

Key State-Level Planning Bodies:

1. State Planning Board – Similar to the Central Planning Commission, but focuses
on state-level economic plans.

2. Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD) – Responsible for master plans,
zoning, and regional planning.

3. Urban Development Authorities – Implement city and regional development

projects (e.g., Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Mumbai Metropolitan
Region Development Authority (MMRDA)).

4. State Housing Boards and Infrastructure Agencies – Manage affordable housing

and urban services (e.g., water, electricity).

State-Level Planning Challenges:

 Many states have not transferred planning powers to local municipalities, despite
the 74th CAA.

 Urban plans are often outdated and not implemented properly.

 Coordination issues exist between state departments and urban local bodies.

5. District-Level Urban and Regional Planning

 District Planning Committees (DPCs) integrate urban and rural development

plans.

 District planning is still mostly economic, with limited spatial planning.

 Zilla Parishads handle rural planning, but urban planning remains under state
control.

 Few states (Maharashtra, Gujarat) have effective district planning mechanisms.

6. Metropolitan Area Planning

 Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) are required for cities with over 1
million people.

 West Bengal was the first state to establish an MPC (Kolkata MPC).

 Metro-region authorities (MMRDA, CMRDA, BMRDA) still play a key role.

Challenges:

 Conflict between MPCs and existing metropolitan development authorities.

 Slow implementation of MPCs in most states.

7. Local-Level Urban Planning

Municipal Planning Bodies:

 Municipal Corporations – Large cities.

 Municipal Councils – Small towns.

 Nagar Panchayats – Transitional areas.

Other Local Planning Agencies:

 Development Authorities – Implement master plans.

 Town Improvement Trusts – Focus on urban renewal.

 Cantonment Boards – Manage military areas.

 Special Area Development Authorities – Handle industrial zones, tourism hubs.

8. Government-Sponsored Consultancy in Planning

 Many government agencies provide consultancy services.

 Examples:

o HUDCO – Specializes in housing and infrastructure planning.

 o NBCC, CPWD, TCPO – Handle construction and master planning.

 Government universities also provide planning consultancy.

9. Urban Planning Education and Research

 Major Planning Schools: SPA Delhi, CEPT Ahmedabad, JNAFAU Hyderabad.

 Research Institutions: Central Building Research Institute (CBRI), National Institute

of Urban Affairs (NIUA).

 Need for more specialized courses in areas like urban renewal, disaster
management, and metropolitan planning.

10. Future of Public Sector Planning

 Government is shifting from a “provider” to a “facilitator” of urban

development.

 Public-private partnerships and decentralization will play a larger role.

 Better coordination between agencies is needed for efficient urban growth.