Rumi Aijaz is Senior Fellow at ORF, where he is responsible for the conduct of the Urban Policy Research Initiative. He conceived and designed the programme in 2007. Since then, the programme has grown and gained recognition both in India and abroad.
Rumi's effort has been to build a better understanding of urban issues and produce new and correct knowledge for managing urban growth. Collaborative studies on multifaceted challenges are being conducted and roundtable discussions on cross-cutting themes organised.
Leading publishers and the media have accepted his writings and views. The titles of his authored / edited books are: (1) India’s Urbanisation Experiences (2015); (2) Promoting Democracy for a Better and Peaceful World: Regional, National and Local Perspectives (ed., 2015); (3) Transportation Sector in India and EU: Problems, Prospects and Opportunities for Development (ed., 2014); (4) Global Urbanisation Experiences (ed., 2013); (5) Public Health Concerns and Reforms: Perceptions of the Civil Society (ed., 2013); and (6) Democracy and Urban Governance in India (2012).
His research articles published in Indian and foreign journals cover a wide range of topics. His recent publications include: (1) "India’s Smart Cities Mission: An Assessment" (2015); (2) "Social Marginalisation in Urban India and the Role of the State" (2015); (3) "Water for Indian Cities: Government Practices and Policy Concerns" (2010); (4) "Capacity Building of Municipal Functionaries for Good Governance in Uttarakhand, India" (2010); and (5) "Form of Urban Local Government in India" (2008).
Expertise
- Urbanisation
- Urban and Regional Planning
- Urban Development
- Urban Infrastructure and Services
- Urban Management and Governance
- Social Development
Current Position(s)
- Senior Fellow, ORF Urban Policy Research Initiative
- Associate Member, Institute of Town Planners, India
Past Position(s)
- Coordinator, Urban Research Projects of Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), German International Cooperation (GIZ), Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung (RLS)
- Visiting Faculty, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi
- Post-doctoral Visiting Fellow, Urban Local Government Studies, LSE, UK
- Research Fellow, National Institute of Urban Affairs, Delhi
- Consultancy on District Gender Profile, Royal Netherlands Embassy, Delhi
- Member (Research), Sanket Information and Research Agency, NGO, Delhi
Education
- PhD, Urban Governance, SPA, Delhi (2004)
- Masters, Regional Planning, SPA, Delhi (1994)
- Masters, Geography, JNU, Delhi (1992)
- Bachelors (Hons.), Geography, University of Delhi (1990)
