Spatial implications of Rurban Mission in India

India at present time is undergoing a fast paced urban transformation from predominantly rural economy and rural habitation system. The past few years has seen the rapid growth of cities in India and transformation of land use from rural to urban. A renewed focus on integrated development is required with strengthening and expansion of rural-urban linkages to bridge the rural-urban gaps and bring about a balanced development in the country.This study aims to demonstrate with a case study, the spatial implications of RURBAN mission by evaluating the spatial implications of integrated cluster action plans (ICAP). Literature review is performed to understand the evolution and approaches of rural development, various programs and schemes launched by the government of India and the concept of rurban areas.Based on the literature review, critical examination of ICAPs in terms of cluster identification, delineation, resource mobilization was undertaken. This study focuses majorly on the delineation of rurban clusters and possible enabling mechanisms for the same. The case study is analyzed under the RURBAN policy framework focuses on the spatial planning aspect only.