Transparency in Planning Practice: Contemporary urban reform in India

Abstract

The study defines the concept of ‘transparency’ in terms of ‘disclosure of information’ and ‘two-way flow of information’, which is operationalized through public participation. In the context of India, the study explores ‘transparency in Planning’ in the form of Right to Information Act, to facilitating citizen participation, and to improve public sector performance. Citizen participation in Planning is comparatively contemporary in Indian context, especially with the concern of boosting transparency in the planning system. While the literature of citizen participation is truly engaged in co-creation of spaces and knowledge, evidence show that the current urban reform programs such as JNNURM, AMRUT, participatory budgeting and smart city programs have half-heartedly introduced the public participation component, and the true meaning of citizenship participation is achieved only in limited way. Finally the study concludes reflecting upon how it is methodologically difficult to research ‘transparency’ and what could be other ways to address the issue of transparency.