Urban problems

The urban problems in developing countries have to be studied within the constraints of limited finances, social and cultural habits of people and the present trends of technological progress. Many planners and technicians trained in the rich and advanced countries of Europe and U.S.A. have tried. to import into developing countries, planning principles and methodologies which are just not applicable to them. Planning education must be problem centred. Hence it is essential that those who are required to deal with urban problems in developing countries should have opportunities to face these in the field and utilize the practical knowledge thus acquired for purposive and socially-beneficial action.

The Centre for Urban Studies in the Indian Institute of Public Admini stration, besides handling urban studies and research projects, also handles a number of training programmes for Local, State and Central Government officers employed in the field of urban development all over the country. In this context the Institute has to make every possible effort to provide first-rate facilities for orientation and mid-career training. One of the important steps thus is to bring about an awareness of urban problems through books which deal with our experience, our way of life and the way we could handle these situations within the given constraints. Such books would not only be useful in institutions dealing with the subject formally but would also provide a medium for informal education amongst citizens and thereby help create an awareness of urban problems amongst them as well.