Size class-wise analysis of state’s urban services in West Bengal reveals that, in spite of improvement in provision of urban services in 2011 over 2001, service deficits and inter-category variations did persist. Service coverage increased systematically with the size class of the urban local bodies (ULBs), and intra-category disparities were higher for smaller ULBs. Mainly, the larger ULBs exhibited positive relationships between financial performances and urban service delivery. Therefore, this article argues for higher fund allocation for basic services and concerted development of smaller cities, through financial empowerment and institutional strengthening, as the key strategies for ensuring sustainable urbanisation.
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