The Uttar Pradesh state government has decided to roll out the second phase of the aspirational towns programme, under which 100 urban local bodies are going to be upgraded in a phased manner. The scheme, aimed at improving basic necessities and amenities in small towns of the state, was introduced in September 2023, and 100 most backward local bodies were shortlisted for funding under the programme.
With the first phase drawing to a close on March 31 after the stipulated milestones were achieved, the state selected 100 more backward towns having a population between 20,000 and 1 lakh. Senior officials from the urban development department revealed that a budget of Rs 175 crore was earmarked to strengthen civic amenities in these 100 additional towns.
“The scheme would last till March 31, 2028. We already have a dashboard and operating procedure that has been finalised in line with the recommendations of the NITI Aayog. We already have trained CM urban fellows who would be deputed to oversee the implementation of the schemes and help the directorate of urban local bodies in achieving the targets,” said a senior officer.
Key pillars of the scheme
The key pillars under the scheme are urban infrastructure, social infrastructure, buildings of the urban local bodies, restoration of water bodies, and construction of parks. While last time indicators were improved in Mohanlalganj, this time Bakshi Ka Talab Nagar Panchayat has been selected in Lucknow. Similarly, Golabazar in Gorakhpur, Bilari in Moradabad, Richa in Bareli, and Zaidpur in Barabanki are among the 100 urban local bodies selected this time.
Implementation and monitoring
The programme will be implemented with a robust monitoring system involving trained CM urban fellows who will oversee the execution of schemes and assist the directorate of urban local bodies in achieving targets. The state government aims to ensure that the selected towns receive focused attention to improve their overall infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
With the second phase now underway, the government hopes to replicate the success of the first phase and bring significant improvements to the living conditions in these backward towns across Uttar Pradesh.
