Locational Analysis in the Provision of Educational Amenities in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu, J& K, India

Abstract

Urban amenities comprise the infrastructure, goods and services that are collectively needed for the urban society. These are central to urban society without which urban society cannot emerge and sustain. The paper examined inequality in the distribution of urban amenities in Srinagar and Jammu cities which is manifested in the form of unequal provision of educational amenities within the wards (municipal units) of these cities. The spatial distribution and concentration of educational institutions was studied. The location quotient technique has been used to determine the spatial concentration pattern in the provision of this vital amenity. However, Lorenz Curve and Gini's coefficient proved to be a useful tool in accessing and quantifying the spatial disparity. The results of the analysis indicate that inequalities exist in the provision of accessibility of this amenity and there is complete disparity in the distribution of educational institutions across the spatial landscape of the cities. The reasons for the uneven distribution of urban amenities are spurt urban growth in the last three decades and poor management planning. The paper suggests that planning body must keep pace with the urban sprawl in order to ensure the equitable distribution of urban amenities in the city.