Kerala Urban Policy through Doughnut Economics

In his review of the Kerala Urban Policy 2026–2050, Jos Chathukulam uses the framework of Doughnut Economics, developed by Kate Raworth, as a critical lens to evaluate the policy. Doughnut Economics emphasises the need to balance a social foundation of human well-being with an ecological ceiling that limits environmental degradation. Through this perspective, the review points out that the policy lacks clearly defined social guarantees and measurable ecological thresholds, thereby weakening its sustainability framework. By contrasting this gap with practices in cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, and Copenhagen, where Doughnut principles are being applied, the critique highlights a missed opportunity for Kerala to adopt a globally relevant and operational model for inclusive and environmentally responsible urban planning. 

Reference: Chathukulam, Jos. (2026). Kerala Urban Policy 2026–2050: Vision, Transparency, and the Need for a Rights-Based Urban Future, Mainstream Weekly, Vol 64 No. 6. https://www.mainstreamweekly.net/article16526.html