Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today said sustainable and inclusive urban development is the main focus of the government and there is a need to go for reforms in a big way. Speaking at an international seminar in New Delhi, Mr Naidu said the country needs urgent focus on urban development related issues. He said, the urban local bodies needs to enhance their resources through internal revenue.<br/><br/>Mr Naidu said 50,000 crore rupees has been earmarked by the government to develop 100 smart cities in the country. The minister said, under the Smart Cities Mission, each selected city would get central assistance of 100 crore rupees per year for five years.<br/><br/>He said special emphasis would be given to citizen participation while developing these smart cities. He said to recast the urban landscape of the country and make lives of urban people comfortable is the need of the hour.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya said good urban life also requires housing, office space and good transportation. He said biggest challenge in the country has been one of creating space for cities and availability of land.
News On AIR | August 1, 2015 12:40 PM
Sustainable and inclusive urban development is the main focus of the government: M Venkaiah Naidu