The World Bank’s suggestion that inclusive growth can be achieved by encouraging rural population to migrate to urban areas has sparked off a debate in Mumbai where regionalism has been one of the primary campaigning issues ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

The World Bank’s World Development Report: Reshaping Economic Geography departs from the assumption that economic activities must be spread geographically to benefit the poor. Instead, it advocates creating economic hubs in urban areas. The suggestion can have a bearing on India where the World Bank has invested in projects to eradicate poverty.

Some of Mumbai’s noted urban planners do not agree with the bank’s suggestion.