Urbanisation is a natural consequence of economic changes that take place as a country develops. At the same time, urbanisation helps to contribute to the growth process at large. Housing is an activity that is typically labour intensive and, therefore, fits in well with the pattern of development envisaged for India. The provision of shelter is a basic need which must be met. Housing construction also creates much-needed employment for the unskilled and, therefore, income for the relatively poor. Urban and housing policies have been witnessing a continuous change since the launching of the First Five Year Plan in 1951, and particularly so since 1991. Part I of this work provides a detailed introduction to urban development and housing policies in India. Part II of the book presents edited extracts on the subject from India's Five Year Plans. Part III contains select schemes of urban development and housing which are presently in operation.