NDA Government’s Urban Development Drive
In a bold push for urban expansion, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government is set to address a backlog of proposals for eight new cities as part of its 100-day agenda. This strategic initiative aims to enhance India’s urban infrastructure and manage the burgeoning demands of urbanization.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is at the helm of this project, with a substantial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore earmarked for each new city. This funding is part of a broader plan outlined in the 15th Finance Commission’s report, which was presented to Parliament in February 2021. The report recommended a total of Rs 8,000 crore to incubate eight new greenfield cities, setting a crucial milestone for the NDA government’s agenda.
Selection and Funding of New Cities
The MoHUA’s plan involves a meticulous selection process, aimed at finalizing which cities will benefit from this significant investment. The Ministry has already received 26 proposals from 21 states and Union Territories (UTs), including both new city projects and extensions of existing urban areas. Notable proposals include greenfield projects in Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), New MOPA Ayush City (Goa), Gurugram (Haryana), New Ranchi City (Jharkhand), Jabalpur Extension (Madhya Pradesh), Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), Bantala Greenfield City (West Bengal), and the expansion of GIFT City (Gujarat).
The selection criteria will prioritize the readiness of these cities to commence development projects swiftly. The allocated funds are required to be disbursed by the end of the 2025-2026 financial period, aligning with the conclusion of the Finance Commission’s award period.
Complementary Urban Initiatives
In conjunction with this urban expansion, the MoHUA is advancing other significant initiatives under the 100-day agenda. This includes the launch of the National Urban Livelihoods Mission 2.0 and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0). Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the PMAY-U 2.0 in her recent Budget speech, with an allocation of Rs 30,170.61 crore to support urban housing and development. This initiative will extend beyond the current PMAY-U scheme, set to conclude on December 31.
Additionally, the Ministry is awaiting approval for a Bill to manage urban land records in New Delhi, alongside the release of the Delhi Master Plan 2041 and amendments to the Delhi Development Act of 1957. These measures are designed to facilitate land-pooling and streamline urban development processes.
Summary
The NDA government’s ambitious 100-day agenda includes the clearance of proposals for eight new cities, each receiving Rs 1,000 crore in funding. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance urban infrastructure and address the needs of growing urban populations across India. Complementary initiatives, such as the National Urban Livelihoods Mission 2.0 and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0, further support this urban expansion drive.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Urban Expansion Plan | NDA’s 100-day agenda to clear proposals for 8 new cities |
| Funding Allocation | Rs 1,000 crore per city, totaling Rs 8,000 crore |
| Proposals Received | 26 proposals from 21 states and UTs |
| Notable Proposals | Cities in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Haryana, Jharkhand, MP, UP, West Bengal, Gujarat |
| Complementary Initiatives | NULM 2.0, PMAY-U 2.0, Delhi Master Plan 2041 |
| Selection Criteria | Readiness for immediate development |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
