Reclaiming the Urban Commons Exploring the Right to the City Paradigm and its Implications for Urban Enfranchisement

Abstract

This article explores the worldwide notion of "Right to the City," with an emphasis on fostering equal urban access and involvement. With a focus on India, the article examines conceptual framework, historical context, and worldwide implementations for addressing urban concerns. The study examines rapid urbanization in India in the context of socioeconomic imbalance and governance concerns, focusing on issues like informal settlements and inadequate infrastructure. The offered solutions promote comprehensive measures, such as policy reform, community empowerment, as well as collaborative governance. To meet the different demands of urban communities, comprehensive urban planning, equitable allocation of resources, and democratic decision-making are prioritized. Local knowledge, grassroots endeavours, and technological advances are emphasized as main drivers of long-term urban growth. By integrating global views and local realities, the paper offers practical ways for governments’’, urban development professionals, and community stakeholders to navigate India's urban governance difficulties. It is a comprehensive resource for developing egalitarian, accessible, and sustainable urban settings, with a focus on safeguarding the Right to the City as a core idea in twenty-first-century urban government.