Question : DEVELOPMENT OF CITIES AND TOWNS

(a) whether the population in urban areas, cities and towns is increasing rapidly and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the infrastructure and basic facilities commensurate with the rise in population and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) whether various States including Jharkhand and Bihar have sent proposals for financial assistance for development of cities and towns in their States;

(d) if so, the details thereof, State-wise during the last three years and the current year along with the number of proposals cleared and funds sanctioned/released during the above period, State and year-wise; and

(e) the number of proposals still pending and the reasons for such pendency along with the time by which these pending proposals are likely to be cleared ?

THE MINISTER OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT(SHRI KAMAL NATH)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.167 FOR 5.12.2012

(a): There is an increase in urbanization over the decade 2001-2011, as is reflected from the data based on Censuses 2001 & 2011 given State-wise in Annex.I. According to Census, migration towards cities and towns is influenced by several factors which include inter-alia education, marriage and employment.

(b): No, Madam. 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) 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. The 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.

(c): Yes, Madam.

(d): 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-II.(A) to Annexure II (F).

(e): The tenure of Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was from 2005-2012 which has been extended by two years to complete on going projects and reforms. Therefore, no new projects are eligible for sanction under UIG and UIDSSMT. The Pilot Scheme for Urban Infrastructure Development in Satellite Towns around seven Mega Cities was coterminus with the Eleventh Plan and the entire allocation has been committed no new projects can be taken up. Under NERUDP identified projects for the two approved tranches of ADB assistance have already been sanctioned. Under the 10 percent lumpsum scheme eligible projects are sanctioned each year subject to availability of funds based on priority lists submitted by the States, there is no carry forward. There are three proposals relating to metro rails at various stages of finalisation.