Section Article

Urbanization and Social Challenges in India
Author(s): Samay Raina

Abstract
Urbanization has emerged as one of the most transformative socio-economic processes shaping contemporary India. With rapid industrialization economic diversification and globalization India has witnessed unprecedented growth of urban centers over the past few decades. According to recent estimates nearly one-third of India’s population resides in urban areas and this proportion is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. While urbanization has contributed to economic growth employment generation technological advancement and improved access to education and healthcare it has simultaneously generated complex social challenges that threaten sustainable and inclusive development. These challenges include the expansion of urban poverty housing shortages growth of slums inadequate infrastructure unemployment informalization of labor social inequality environmental degradation and erosion of social cohesion. This paper critically examines the nature and trajectory of urbanization in India and explores the major social challenges associated with it. By adopting a socio-economic and policy-oriented approach the study analyzes how urban growth has intensified disparities between different social groups and regions. The paper also evaluates government initiatives and policy responses aimed at addressing urban social problems highlighting gaps between policy intent and ground-level realities. The study argues that without inclusive planning participatory governance and socially sensitive urban policies urbanization may deepen social exclusion rather than promote human development. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for integrated urban development strategies that balance economic growth with social justice environmental sustainability and human well-being.