Urban development in India is primarily a state subject. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs plays important role in supporting states and Union Territories (UTs). This support comes through various missions and schemes aimed at improving urban living conditions. Key initiatives include the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0), Smart Cities Mission, and the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0).
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0
AMRUT 2.0 aims to make cities water-secure. It provides functional water tap connections to all households in statutory towns. The mission also focuses on universal sewerage and septage management in 500 AMRUT cities. It seeks to reduce the strain on urban poor by ensuring access to basic amenities. Improved water and sanitation facilities enhance public health and quality of life.
Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission promotes sustainable and inclusive urban development. It aims to enhance urban infrastructure and services. The initiative focuses on improving the quality of life for residents through smart solutions. This includes better transportation, waste management, and energy efficiency. The mission encourages citizen participation and public-private partnerships.
Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
Launched on 2nd October 2014, SBM-U aimed to achieve 100% Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. It also focused on scientific processing of municipal waste. The mission emphasised behaviour change through community involvement. The total outlay for SBM-U was ₹62,009 crores, with substantial citizen engagement leading to its success. Over 62 lakh Individual House Hold Latrines (IHHL) were constructed, exceeding the target.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
PMAY-U aims to provide affordable housing to the urban poor. The scheme focuses on providing pucca houses with basic amenities. It targets slum dwellers and low-income groups. The initiative includes financial assistance for housing construction or enhancement. The goal is to ensure housing for all by 2022.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
DAY-NULM aims to reduce poverty among urban poor households. It promotes self-employment and skilled wage employment. The mission provides financial assistance to individuals and Self Help Groups (SHGs). Since 2014, over 13 lakh urban poor have received skill training. More than 6.78 lakh trained individuals have secured employment.
PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)
Launched on 1st June 2020, PM SVANidhi provides micro-credit to street vendors. This initiative helps vendors restart their businesses post-COVID-19. Vendors can avail loans of up to ₹10,000, with subsequent loans available upon repayment. As of December 2022, over 38 lakh loans amounting to ₹4,405 crores have been disbursed.
Financial Assistance and Self-Help Groups
The government has formed over 7.8 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). More than 5.36 lakh SHGs have received support through revolving funds. The SHG Bank Linkage Programme has facilitated 7.17 lakh loans. These initiatives enhance income-generating activities for urban poor.
Street Vendor Survey and Identification
A comprehensive survey of street vendors has been completed in 3,307 cities. More than 49.93 lakh street vendors have been identified. Over 28.06 lakh vendors have received ID cards. This identification process is crucial for providing support and recognition to vendors.
Shelters for Urban Homeless
The Ministry has sanctioned 2,457 shelters for the urban homeless. Out of these, 1,788 shelters are operational. These shelters provide essential services and support to homeless individuals, enhancing their living conditions.
Behaviour Change Initiatives
Behaviour change is focus of urban development missions. Campaigns encourage community participation in sanitation and waste management. The aim is to instill a sense of responsibility among citizens. Public awareness drives promote hygiene and cleanliness.
Urban Transport Schemes
The Ministry also implements various urban transport schemes. These initiatives aim to enhance public transport systems. Improved transport facilities reduce congestion and pollution. They contribute to the overall sustainability of urban areas.
Role of State Governments
State governments play a critical role in urban development. They implement central schemes and tailor them to local needs. Coordination between state and central authorities is vital for success. Local governance structures ensure effective execution of urban policies.
Challenges in Urban Development
Urban development faces several challenges. Rapid urbanisation leads to increased demand for housing and services. Infrastructure development often lags behind population growth. Ensuring sustainable development amidst these challenges is essential.
Future Directions
Future urban development initiatives will focus on sustainability. Smart city projects will integrate technology for better service delivery. The emphasis will be on green infrastructure and climate resilience. Community participation will remain a mainstay of successful urban policies.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring and evaluation of urban development schemes is crucial. Regular assessments ensure that objectives are being met. Feedback mechanisms help improve programme implementation. Transparency and accountability are essential for public trust.
Conclusion of Current Initiatives
Current urban development initiatives have shown promising results. Significant improvements in sanitation, housing, and livelihoods have been observed. Continued focus on these areas is necessary for sustainable urban growth. The government remains committed to enhancing urban living conditions for all citizens.
Key Statistics
– Over 62 lakh IHHL constructed under SBM-U. – More than 13 lakh individuals trained under DAY-NULM. – 38 lakh loans disbursed under PM SVANidhi. – 2,457 shelters sanctioned for the urban homeless. – 49.93 lakh street vendors identified.
Important Missions and Schemes
- Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0)
- Smart Cities Mission
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 (SBM-U 2.0)
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)
- Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM)
- PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)
Urban Development Goals
– Achieve sustainable urbanisation. – Ensure access to basic services for all. – Promote inclusive growth and development. – Enhance the quality of life in urban areas.
