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9 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesEDITORIAL

Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law: A New Framework for Cities

Rajasthan's new law redefines urban spaces, emphasizing co-existence and inclusivity for harmonious city life.

Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law: A New Framework for Cities

Photo by Abhijit Chirde

Editorial Analysis

Rajasthan's new urban law aims to promote inclusive urban development, addressing the needs of all residents and fostering a sense of community, while also focusing on sustainable practices, efficient resource management, and the preservation of cultural heritage, ultimately seeking to create more livable and resilient cities and reduce social inequalities.

Main Arguments:

  1. Promote inclusive urban development.
  2. Address the needs of all residents.
  3. Foster a sense of community.
  4. Focus on sustainable practices.
  5. Efficient resource management.
  6. Preservation of cultural heritage.
  7. Create more livable and resilient cities.
  8. Enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
  9. Reduce social inequalities.

Conclusion

By prioritizing co-existence, the law aims to reduce social inequalities and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.

Policy Implications

Rajasthan’s new law frames new language of cities and co-existence.

Rajasthan's new law frames a new language of cities and co-existence. The law aims to promote inclusive urban development, addressing the needs of all residents and fostering a sense of community. It focuses on sustainable practices, efficient resource management, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The legislation seeks to create more livable and resilient cities, enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. By prioritizing co-existence, the law aims to reduce social inequalities and promote harmony within urban areas.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper 2: Governance, Social Justice and Polity - Urbanization and related issues

2.

Connects to syllabus topics like urbanization, sustainable development, and constitutional amendments

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical mains questions on urban governance

Visual Insights

Rajasthan: Focus Area of Urban Co-existence Law

This map highlights Rajasthan, where the new Urban Co-existence Law is being implemented, aiming for inclusive and sustainable urban development.

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📍Rajasthan
More Information

Background

The concept of urban planning and co-existence has evolved significantly over time. Early urban settlements often lacked formal planning, leading to haphazard growth and social segregation. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries exacerbated these problems, resulting in overcrowded cities and poor living conditions. In response to these challenges, the 20th century saw the rise of modern urban planning. Key milestones include the Garden City movement, which advocated for integrating green spaces into urban environments, and the development of zoning regulations to manage land use. These efforts aimed to create more livable and equitable cities. The concept of sustainable development gained prominence in the late 20th century, emphasizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. In India, urban planning is guided by various legal and constitutional provisions. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 devolved powers to urban local bodies, enabling them to play a greater role in urban planning and development. Various central and state laws also address issues such as land use, building regulations, and environmental protection. The Smart Cities Mission is a recent initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and inclusive urban development across the country.

Latest Developments

Several recent developments highlight the growing focus on urban co-existence. Many cities are implementing policies to promote affordable housing and reduce social inequalities. These policies often involve providing subsidies for low-income housing and implementing inclusionary zoning regulations. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a key initiative in this regard. There is also increasing emphasis on sustainable urban development. Cities are investing in renewable energy, public transportation, and waste management systems to reduce their environmental footprint. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to improve air quality in urban areas. Furthermore, many cities are working to preserve their cultural heritage by restoring historic buildings and promoting cultural tourism. Looking ahead, urban co-existence is expected to become even more important. As cities continue to grow, it will be essential to ensure that all residents have access to basic services and opportunities. This will require innovative approaches to urban planning and governance. The use of technology, such as smart city platforms, can help to improve resource management and citizen engagement. The success of these efforts will depend on collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main goal of Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law?

The law aims to promote inclusive urban development, addressing the needs of all residents and fostering a sense of community. It focuses on sustainable practices, efficient resource management, and the preservation of cultural heritage to create more livable and resilient cities.

2. How does this law relate to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)?

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is a key initiative that aligns with the goals of the Rajasthan Urban Co-existence Law by promoting affordable housing and reducing social inequalities in urban areas.

3. What are the key areas of focus within Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law?

The key areas of focus are inclusive urban development, sustainable practices, efficient resource management, preservation of cultural heritage, and the reduction of social inequalities to promote harmony within urban areas.

  • •Inclusive Urban Development
  • •Sustainable Practices
  • •Efficient Resource Management
  • •Preservation of Cultural Heritage
  • •Reduction of Social Inequalities
4. What is the historical background that led to the need for laws like Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law?

Early urban settlements often lacked formal planning, leading to haphazard growth and social segregation. The Industrial Revolution exacerbated these problems, resulting in overcrowded cities and poor living conditions. The law is a response to these historical challenges.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of prioritizing co-existence in urban planning, and how might this impact common citizens?

Prioritizing co-existence can lead to more inclusive and harmonious communities, reducing social inequalities and enhancing the quality of life for all citizens. However, it may also require significant policy changes and resource allocation, potentially leading to conflicts or resistance from certain groups. Ultimately, it aims to create more livable and resilient cities for everyone.

6. In the context of Rajasthan's Urban Co-existence Law, what does 'inclusive urban development' specifically aim to achieve?

Inclusive urban development aims to address the needs of all residents, regardless of their socio-economic background, and foster a sense of community. This involves policies that promote affordable housing, access to basic services, and equal opportunities for all citizens within urban areas.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992: 1. It added Part IX-A to the Constitution, dealing with the Municipalities. 2. It mandates the establishment of Wards Committees in all municipalities with a population of three lakh or more. 3. It provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in every municipality. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 added Part IX-A to the Constitution, which deals with Municipalities (Article 243P to 243ZG). Statement 2 is INCORRECT: It mandates the establishment of Wards Committees in municipalities with a population of THREE LAKH or more (not two lakh). Statement 3 is CORRECT: It provides for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in every municipality in proportion to their population.

Source Articles

Growing in unexpected ways: From Rajasthan’s Bhilwara to University of Chicago | Life in a Foreign University | Education News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·9 Feb 2026

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