Municipal Convergence for Inclusive Habitat

This chapter brings together the municipal ability to mobilise necessary resources to promote inclusive habitat with a particular reference to shelter, services and livelihood opportunities for the urban poor. It is noted that sustainable habitat has to specifically include suitable access to land tenure, affordable housing, water supply, sanitation, education, health and social security. At the same time, appropriate arrangements are to be made for adequate space and operational arrangements for skill development, job creation, public distribution system of oil, ration and other necessary items in the low-income areas, community centre and its multipurpose use, bus stop, designated hawking place, police post, school, etc. It is in this context, two case studies are presented. This is indicated that the city governments of Bhopal and Hyderabad have mobilised necessary funds and involved other stakeholders from public and private sectors to converge resources over a period of time. However, there have been delays and obstacles to involve various stakeholders. Finally, the chapter presents a twofold action agenda covering project-specific and city-scale actions on municipal finance in the form of a generic model for suitable adaptation to mobilise resources for inclusive habitat to facilitate the urban poor to have a reasonably acceptable lifestyle and quality of life.