In an unprecedented move aimed at accelerating urban development, the Rajasthan government has made a landmark decision by appointing five chief town planners simultaneously. This marks the first time in the state's history that such a large-scale appointment has been made in the urban planning sector, signaling a major push for structured growth across its cities and regions.
A Strategic Expansion of Planning Leadership
The decision, formalized through orders dated November 18, is a strategic one that includes the creation of two additional posts specifically for independent chief town planners. This expansion is designed to bolster expertise and decision-making capabilities within the state's urban development framework.
The key appointments are as follows: Sashikant, previously the Additional Chief Town Planner of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation, has been elevated to the position of Chief Town Planner of Rajasthan. Ravi Rai Verma has been appointed as the Chief Town Planner for the National Capital Region (NCR) planning area of the state, while Mrinal Joshi takes on the role of Chief Town Planner and will also serve as the Director of Town Planning for the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA).
For the two newly created independent posts, the government has appointed Mahendra Choudhary for the Local Self Government (LSG) department and Preeti Gupta for the Jodhpur Development Authority.
Aligning with New Policies for Tailored Development
According to a senior official from the Urban Development and Housing (UDH) department, this structural overhaul is perfectly aligned with the state's new township policy and revised building bylaws. These new regulations emphasize the need for tailored norms that suit the diverse geographical and developmental needs of different regions across Rajasthan.
"With independent chief town planners for diversified departments and regions, it would be easy to take decisions and to implement the provisions mentioned in the new laws," the official stated. The move is expected to decentralize planning authority, expedite project approvals, and ensure that local nuances are considered in urban development projects, from Jaipur and Jodhpur to towns in the NCR region.
Controversy Over Selection Criteria
Despite the government's positive framing of the appointments as a progressive step, the move has not been without controversy. A section of town planning professionals has expressed dissatisfaction with the selection process.
Their primary contention is that two out of the five newly appointed chief town planners are architects by qualification and do not hold a specialized degree in town planning. This has sparked a debate within professional circles about the essential expertise required for top-tier roles that shape the urban landscape of the state.
This historic administrative reshuffle underscores the Rajasthan government's focused intent on strengthening its urban planning machinery. By distributing leadership across key departments and regions, the state aims to foster more responsive and effective urban governance, though the debate on specialization highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing administrative needs with professional qualifications.
