Pune, Navi Mumbai, and Greater Mumbai, all hailing from the state of Maharashtra, have bagged the top three spots on the government’s first-ever ‘Ease of Living Index’. Released by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, this index ranks cities based on their living conditions. Out of the 111 cities surveyed, the national capital, New Delhi, lagged behind at 65th position, while Chennai secured a commendable 14th place.
Notable Omissions and Observations
The cultural hub of Kolkata did not partake in the survey process. Among the top ten ranking cities are Tirupati, Chandigarh, Thane, Raipur, Indore, Vijayawada, and Bhopal. On the flip side, Rampur, Kohima, and Patna found themselves on the less enviable end of the spectrum, rounding off as the bottom three cities.
Ranking Parameters and Methodology
The government deployed four primary parameters to determine the Ease of Living Index, namely, governance, social aspects, economic factors, and physical infrastructure. Each city was evaluated on a 100-point scale, spanning 78 different indicators. Institutional and social pillars were allocated 25 points each, the economic pillar comprised 5 points, and the physical pillar dominated with 45 points.
Data-Driven Ranking Approach
The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry emphasizes that this ranking represents a transition towards data-backed urban planning and management. Future reports are expected to include feedback from citizens and stakeholders. However, many cities, including the national capital, trailed due to local bodies’ inability to provide required data for the survey.
Challenges in Data Collection
Surveyors encountered specific complications while collecting data, especially in the health sector. Local governments often did not have access to data from private hospitals, resulting in incomplete information. To resolve this, the consortium managing the survey assisted cities in filling these data gaps.
A Look at the Road Ahead
For a more realistic representation, Central government schemes like the Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT mission, initiated for the inclusive development of urban areas and cities, must be aligned with this index. There’s often a mismatch between data provided by government bodies and ground realities. Implementing a transparent mechanism, which includes active participation from citizens, can significantly improve the survey’s authenticity.
Need for Holistic Evaluation
The Ease of Living Index needs to understand and acknowledge the diversity of city life. It’s fundamental to create an enabling environment rather than leaning solely on a data-based approach. The survey should prioritize environmental factors, such as pollution-free commons, walkability, and easy mobility, all of which are foundational to citizen-driven services.