Secretary Urban Development reviews JNNURM projects

A meeting to review the progress of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was called by ministry of Urban Development, here today, Presiding over the meeting Dr. M. Ramachandran , Secretary, Urban Development stated that Centre will push the states in all possible manner to implement and complete the projects already sanctioned under JNNURM. He also urged the states for speedy implementation of project work so that next installment of Additional Central Assistance (ACA) is released to the states in time. Ministry of Urban Development has so far sanctioned 463 projects and total value of projects approved is Rs. 49743.46 crore. ACA worth Rs. 8253 crore has been released.

He expressed displeasure over the non completion of urban sector reforms as per committed guidelines specially as most of the reforms pertain to devolution of power under the 74th constitutional amendment act to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Governance issues in terms of administrative and structural reforms within the ULBs and provision of citizen Centric Services. The secretary also mentioned that reforms under JNNURM goes hand in hand with project implementation. Any lacking in implementation might affect release of funds. He further stated that Centre is committed to fast track approach towards reforms and projects under JNNURM and States should also accelerate the pace of projects and Reforms.

Representatives from the State Governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Punjab, Rajasthan, West Bengal, MP and Maharashtra participated in the discussion. The State also assured speedy implementation of the projects which got delayed due to General Elections.

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