Urban Administration and Development Minister Babulal Gaur has said that foreign-funded programmes should be effectively used for common people’s welfare. He also stressed the need for constant monitoring of these programmes.
Gaur was addressing inaugural session of a workshop on the launch of second phase of Project Utthan to be implemented with cooperation of British Government’s Department for International Development Project here today.
The project is being implemented with the cooperation of British Government for development of basic amenities in urban areas of the State. During the second phase of the project, Rs220 crore will be spent on development works in areas under 14 municipal corporations till December 2015.
Urban Administration Minister said that urban population is increasing at a rapid pace from last many years. Under such circumstances, it has become a challenge to provide basic amenities to urban people.
Gaur also laid stress on providing jobs to women as per their requirement in urban areas. The Urban Administration Minister said that works should be undertaken under Project Utthan in such a way that the urban poor can carry out their business with security. Gaur laid emphasis on maximum use of e-governance in municipal services.
Principal Secretary Urban Administration SN Mishra said that the 2nd phase of Project Utthan will be implemented in the same successful way as its first phase was implemented through team spirit. He said that dual accounting system will be implemented in all municipal corporations.
Commissioner Urban Administration Sanjay Shukla said that 1st phase of Project Utthan was implemented from December 2007 to December 2012. Under the phase, basic amenities like drinking water, power, roads, drains etc. were provided in 168 slums. An amount of Rs350 crore was spent and a total 140 self-help groups were constituted in the first phase.
Deputy Head of DFIID UK Emma Spicer informed that objective of the project is to make urban services simple and easily accessible. She said that an atmosphere is to be created in urban areas to ensure that maximum number of women can obtain jobs with sense of safety.
letters of citations were given away to outstanding performers under Project Utthan. A chorus was sung on the occasion by self-help group constituted in Bihari Colony of Bhopal. DFIID Team Head Richard Salth proposed a vote of thanks.