Question : GROWTH IN URBAN POPULATION

(a) whether the urban population in the country has registered rapid growth and if so, the details thereof and the future projections in this regard;

(b) whether the development of infrastructure and the provision of basic amenities have not been able to keep pace with the growth in population;

(c) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the reasons therefor along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard;

(d) whether various States including Chhattisgarh and Punjab have sent proposals seeking financial assistance under various urban development schemes during each of the last three years and the current year and if so, the details thereof, scheme/State-wise; and

(e) the number of such proposals pending/cleared and funds sanctioned/released during the said period, project, year and State-wise and the achievements made as a result thereof along with the reasons for non-clearance of projects, if any?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT (SMT. DEEPA DASMUNSHI)

(a): There is an increasing trend of urban population in the country. Urban population in the country has increased from 28.61 crore in 2001 to 37.71 crore in 2011 registering a growth rate of 31.8%. Census of India has projected the urban population till the year 2026, by that year, the country’s population will be 53.48 crore which will constitute 38.2% of the total projected population of 140 crore.

(b) & (c): The population growth in urban areas is exerting pressure on basic urban services. Urban Development is a State subject and the State Governments have to take action for ameliorating pressures on cities. The Government of India supports States in their efforts through schemes. The Government of India launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), a reform driven scheme in 2005. The Urban Infrastructure and Governance component handled by Ministry of Urban Development seeks to improve urban infrastructure and transport in 65 identified cities.11:30 AM 6/30/2014The needs of the small and medium towns are catered to by the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns (UIDSSMT) programme. In addition, financial assistance for urban infrastructure is also being provided by the Ministry of Urban Development under the 10 percent lumpsum scheme for the development of North Eastern region including Sikkim, the ADB aided North Eastern Region Urban Development Programme and Pilot Scheme on Development of Urban Infrastructure in Satellite Towns around the seven mega cities, besides identified metro and other projects.

(d) & (e): State-wise and Year-wise details of proposals received, cleared and funds released under various schemes during the last three years and current year are given in Annexure 1 (A) to Annexure 1 (G). Projects under various schemes are sanctioned subject to their technical appraisal and Detailed Project Report being in conformity with the guidelines of the Scheme and availability of funds.