PM for revamp of urban governance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for revamping urban governance while linking it to the 'Digital India' mission and 'Swachh Bharat' campaign.

Chairing a meeting on urban development in New Delhi, he said programmes should be implemented in close consultation and coordination with states, generally based on the PPP model and a special module on urban governance should be a part of the IAS officers` training.

"The Prime Minister said revamping urban governance should be at the core of the vision of the Ministry of Urban Development while chairing a high-level meeting on urban development issues," a PMO statement said.

He also called for complete synergy between the Digital India Mission, and the urban renewal mission.

This should include objectives such as mobile governance, e-governance, solid waste management, waste water management etc. There is need for extensive brainstorming on these issues, Modi said.

"The Prime Minister outlined the details of his vision for solid waste management and waste water management in 500 towns across India," the PMO said.

This would help spur the growth of organic farming, especially vegetables, in the area surrounding these towns, as organic fertilizer would be readily available, he said.

"This would also lead to abundant supply of vegetables in the town, thereby reducing inflation, and corresponding spin-off benefits in health and tourism sectors," he said.

The Prime Minister said the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' should be linked to urban development in a big way, so that there is a demand from the grassroots for total sanitation in cities.

On development of heritage cities, he talked about "HRIDAY – Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana."

He said while conserving the city`s heritage, care should be taken that the people of heritage cities get access to modern facilities.

"In the name of conserving heritage, people of heritage cities should not be kept deprived of modern amenities," the Prime Minister said while adding that cities with rich cultural heritage could act as magnets for tourism.

Modi also stressed on the need for a clean Delhi and said if this could be achieved, it would have a significant impact on the image of the country, as well as the success of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu and senior Ministry officials were present in the meeting.