Role of Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) in Promoting Planning Education

By: Kavita Dehalwar | Publication date: Oct. 20, 2023 | Source: Track2Training

The Institute of Town Planners India (ITPI) is a professional organization that primarily focuses on promoting and advancing the field of urban and regional planning in India. ITPI plays a significant role in promoting planning education in India through various means, including:

  1. Accreditation and Recognition: ITPI provides accreditation and recognition to planning education programs in India. They evaluate and approve planning schools and courses to ensure that they meet the necessary standards and guidelines.
  2. Professional Development: The institute organizes various workshops, seminars, and training programs for planners and planning students to enhance their knowledge and skills. These events help bridge the gap between academic education and practical application.
  3. Research and Publications: ITPI supports and publishes research on urban and regional planning, making valuable resources available to both students and practitioners. This research can contribute to the development of planning education.
  4. Student Chapters: ITPI encourages the formation of student chapters at planning schools. These chapters provide a platform for students to engage in planning-related activities, network, and learn from each other.
  5. Advocacy: ITPI advocates for the importance of planning education and the role of planners in shaping sustainable and livable cities. They work with government bodies and other stakeholders to promote the value of planning education.
  6. Continuing Education: The institute offers continuing education programs for planning professionals, allowing them to stay updated with the latest developments in the field.
  7. Annual Conferences: ITPI hosts annual conferences that bring together professionals, academics, and students to discuss emerging trends and share knowledge and experiences in the field of urban and regional planning.
  8. Certification and Professional Development: ITPI provides a platform for planners to obtain professional certifications. This certification process helps planners gain recognition for their expertise and further emphasizes the importance of planning education.

Please note that ITPI’s initiatives and activities may have evolved or expanded since its inception and there is a need to have a Planning Council like the Council of Architecture so that more authority can be handled by it in ensuring the planned development of Indian cities (Sharma & Dehalwar, 2023). I recommend central government consider the the proposal of setting up of Planning Council of India to empower planners and give urban planning a more central stage in the development of Indian cities.

References

Hoselitz, Bert F. “Urbanization and Town Planning in India.” Confluence 7 (1958): 115.

Khan, Naveeda. “Geddes in India: town planning, plant sentience, and cooperative evolution.” Environment and Planning D: Society and Space 29.5 (2011): 840-856.

Sharma, Shashikant Nishant, and Kavita Dehalwar. “Council of Planning for Promoting Planning Education and Planning Professionals.” Journal of Planning Education and Research (2023): 0739456X231204568.

Shaw, Annapurna. “Town Planning in Postcolonial India, 1947-1965: Chandigarh Re-Examined1.” Urban Geography 30.8 (2009): 857-878.