Parliamentary Call for Future-Ready Urban Development

A parliamentary panel suggests mandatory holistic development plans for urban bodies. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with global consultants, must align budget allocations to the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision. Concerns about AMRUT 2.0 funds and PM-eBus Sewa Scheme allocations are highlighted.

A parliamentary panel has recommended that all urban local bodies in the country should be mandated to prepare development plans with a 'holistic and futuristic approach'.

The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry is advised to engage global consultants and experts for assistance, ensuring adequate funding is in place. Magunta Sreenivasulu Reddy, chairperson of the standing committee, presented this report in the Lok Sabha. The report identifies challenges with the ministry's schemes not meeting anticipated demands across states, emphasizing a need for strategic planning to assess civic needs appropriately.

The report also stresses aligning the budget with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' initiative, which envisions India as a developed nation by its centenary in 2047. Concerns were raised about the utilization of central funds for the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 and the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme, highlighting potential financial burdens on municipal corporations with the current proposed assists and conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)