Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu asks states to strengthen urban local bodies

NEW DELHI: Government today asked states to strengthen urban local bodies (ULB) by transferring funds and powers for successful implementation of new urban initiatives.

"Countdown for urban transformation has begun. States and ULBs have a critical role to make the schemes a reality," Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told the media here.

"Without devolution of powers and funds to urban local bodies as per the 74th Amendement, urban schemes cannot be successfully implemented," he said.

Naidu said the 14th Finance Commission has granted Rs 87,143 crore against Rs 23,111 crore by 13th Finance Commission which is a substantial increase of four times for urban local bodies.

However he lamented that many states are yet to transfer power and funds as required by law.

"Many states are yet to do it," he said, without naming any state.

Government has launched three mega urban schemes on June 25 which include development 100 Smart Cities, rejuventaion of 500 cities under AMRUT and housing for all by 2022.

States have been given full freedom in designing, approving and execution of projects under the new missions and states and ULBs should now rise to the occasion, he said.

"Smart City, AMRUT and Housing Mission would help the urban poor through increased access to water supply, sewer connections, public transportation, housing, improved urban governance ensuring transparency and accountability and better delivery of services," he said.