Development Charges

This book examines the inadequacies of development charges, particularly in India, and proposes effective strategies for their implementation.

The book Development Charges explores the inadequacies of development charges on a global scale, with a particular focus on India. It highlights the pressing need for reform in this area and proposes strategies for implementing development charges that are not only compliant with legal frameworks but also transparent, equitable, and feasible within political and administrative contexts. By examining the existing literature, the author emphasizes the importance of empowering urban local governments and diversifying local revenue sources to enhance the financial landscape of local governance.

In its examination, Development Charges situates development charges within the broader framework of local public finance. It identifies critical factors that must be taken into account when designing and executing a development charge program. The book provides a thorough analysis of the use of development charges in various countries, including Australia, South Africa, and the United States, offering valuable insights into their efficacy and implementation.

Through a comparative analysis of development charge programs in India and the US, along with simulations, the book illustrates the inadequacy of current development charges in meeting the infrastructure needs of urban India and the Global South. Ultimately, Development Charges proposes innovative methods for levying development charges that ensure a sustainable and robust revenue stream, thereby addressing the pressing challenges faced by urban local governments.