Constraints affecting the efficiency of urban land markets in India

The National Commission on Urbanization (NCU) of 1988 strongly criticized government policies for having failed to ensure an adequate supply of urban land. Although the NCU report states in several places that the land market should be made more free, recommendations for accomplishing this are limited to the reduction of burdensome regulations. The NCU stops short of explicitly advocating a liberalization of policy to allow greater use of price signals or a larger role for private sector developers. This report reviews several major constraints on the efficient operation of urban land markets and urban land delivery. Primary emphasis is given to three constraints: the Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act; land development regulations; and land information systems. (Author abstract)