The Regularising State

By:
Amita Bhide
Date:
  • Article Title: The Regularising State
  • Title of Journal: Economic and Political Weekly
  • Vol #: 49
  • Issue #: 22

This article discusses a form of informality widely prevalent in small and medium cities in Maharashtra, called gunthewari. It is an examination of the practice of regularisation of these gunthewaris, and its relationship to other domains of urban governance. It argues that regularisation is an attempt to create a constant state of exception. Regularisation enables the abdication of state responsibility for public housing and planning, while engaging in tokenistic exercises of welfare.

Informal Economy Theme
Informal Economy Topic
Language
Publication Type