Chandigarh July 4: On the concluding day of the first National Conference of Urban Local Bodies, held in Manesar, district Gurugram, development models presented by leading urban bodies from across the country were thoroughly discussed. In five dedicated sessions, participants deliberated on strengthening the role and contributions of urban local bodies toward building a Developed India by 2047. The conference concluded with a formal resolution to enhance the impact of these institutions in national development.

          The valedictory session was graced by the esteemed presence of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Sh Harivansh, Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha Sh P.C. Modi, and other dignitaries.

          The session featured detailed discussions on the role of urban institutions as a fundamental pillar of democracy. Representatives from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation shared their experiences, emphasizing that urban local bodies are functioning with a focus on their constitutional rights, serving as engines of inclusive growth and development. Participants highlighted that the core objective of urban local bodies is to bring about positive change in the urban service delivery framework. In the context of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, it was noted that this landmark reform provides a robust institutional framework for the effective delivery of urban services. The amendment also emphasizes the need for municipalities to be responsive to the needs of weaker sections and women. In line with this, provisions for reservation have been made for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women in municipal committees and councils.

          A representative from municipal body in West Bengal emphasized that urban local bodies are the cornerstone of India’s urban development. Presenting her city’s development model, she stressed the need to address financial, institutional, and capacity-related challenges through reforms, innovation, citizen participation, and the use of technology. She noted that with strong political will and a spirit of collaborative governance, urban local bodies can effectively fulfill their constitutional mandate. She further highlighted the importance of ensuring that cities evolve into models of inclusive, resilient, and vibrant development for all citizens.

          The seminar also highlighted the pivotal role of women as key drivers of development within urban local bodies. It was noted that Madhya Pradesh has implemented 50 percent reservation for women in urban local governance. Remarkably, currently 60 to 65 percent women are representing urban local bodies there, demonstrating their strong participation and leadership. Similarly, in Haryana, women are actively contributing to urban development by taking on leadership roles in municipal bodies. The discussion also emphasized the potential for urban local bodies to evolve into a true mass movement by integrating development initiatives with active public participation. The need to foster greater community involvement in planning and implementation was discussed as a critical step toward sustainable and inclusive urban growth.

Chandigarh, July 4 – Haryana Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatraya said that Chairpersons and representatives of Urban Local Bodies across the country should adopt a ‘Waste to Wealth’ approach by leveraging advanced technologies in waste management. He said that such initiatives would not only provide a fresh impetus to the Swachhata Abhiyan but also significantly enhance the economic resources of Urban Local Bodies.

Governor Sh Bandaru Dattatraya made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies in Manesar, Gurugram today.

The Governor congratulated the Vidhan Sabha Speaker and his team for successfully organizing the first-ever national conference for Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies. He stated that it is a matter of pride that representatives from across the country not only participated in in-depth deliberations but also shared best practices related to urban development. He further said that the conference featured meaningful and constructive discussions on several key issues concerning urban governance, which will serve as a valuable guide for future policy-making.

The Governor said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan across the country, which has instilled a sense of awareness and positive thinking about cleanliness among citizens. He urged all representatives to actively involve the community in this campaign through widespread public awareness efforts, so that cities can become cleaner and more beautiful. “The greater the public participation in this mission, the more beautiful and healthier our cities will become,” he said. He especially emphasized the importance of special attention in cleanliness of slum areas. Additionally, the Governor highlighted the need for the rapid digitalization of Urban Local Bodies to improve efficiency and transparency.

He said that the government is committed to providing ample employment opportunities for the youth. In this context, he encouraged Urban Local Bodies to prioritize skill development initiatives in their respective areas to further enhance job prospects for youth. He also stressed the importance of learning from cities that have emerged as role models in various sectors, encouraging others to adopt their best practices and strive to become leaders in their own domains.

Ensure your meaningful contribution in building a developed nation and strive to advance your cities in every domain – Harvinder Kalyan

Addressing the gathering, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Kalyan said that the successful organization of this national conference was made possible through the visionary initiative of Lok Sabha Speaker Sh Om Birla. He said that Sh Birla firmly believes that, just like the Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, local institutions at the grassroots level must also function effectively. This conference was organized with that very vision in mind.

Sh Kalyan welcomed representatives of Urban Local Bodies from across the country to the sacred land of Haryana, where significant and meaningful discussions took place on various critical issues. He emphasized that in a democracy, the more dialogue that occurs, the better the solutions, the stronger the decisions, and the smoother the execution of initiatives in the public interest.

He further highlighted Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He stressed that this goal cannot be achieved without a robust democracy, and that the strength of democracy is intrinsically linked to the empowerment of local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions. In this spirit, he called upon all chairpersons and representatives present to take a pledge to contribute actively toward this national objective and to work diligently toward advancing their respective cities in all areas of development.

Sh Kalyan expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini, acknowledging that the successful conduct of this national conference was made possible by the excellent arrangements provided by the state government.

On this occasion, Deputy Speaker of the Haryana Assembly Sh Krishan Middha, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Sh Harivansh, Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha Sh P.P. Modi, and other distinguished dignitaries were also present.

Chandigarh, July 4 – Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya emphasized the critical importance of public participation in Urban Local Bodies, stating that it must be transformed into a mass movement. He said that India’s democratic structure comprises three tiers: the Lok Sabha, the Vidhan Sabha, and Urban Local Bodies. Among these, he said, Urban Local Bodies represent the most grassroots and impactful level of governance.

Sh Vijayvargiya made these remarks while addressing the National Conference of Urban Local Bodies held in Manesar, Gurugram on Friday.

In his address, Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya shared his personal journey, stating that he began his public service as a councillor, later became a mayor, and eventually served in both the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha. Drawing from his experience, he said that Urban Local Bodies are the most direct link between governance and the public. While the work at this level is highly challenging, he said, it is also deeply fulfilling.

Speaking to public representatives from across the country, he recalled a time when the Indore Municipal Corporation faced a severe shortage of funds. In response, he appealed to the public to donate cement. The initiative received an overwhelming response, resulting in cement donations worth Rs 80 crore. This, in turn, enabled the construction of roads worth approximately Rs 300 crore, an exemplary model of public participation.

He also shared a remarkable green initiative from Indore, where a target was set to plant 12.4 lakh saplings in a single day—a goal that was successfully achieved. Remarkably, even after a year, all the saplings have survived, reflecting the true success and sustained impact of community involvement.

Sh Vijayvargiya highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, there has been an unprecedented increase in the budget for Urban Local Bodies since 2014, resulting in significant progress in the field of urban development.

Chandigarh, July 4 – Haryana Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Midha said that representatives of urban local bodies should strive to make their cities not just “smart,” but also capable, inclusive, and sustainable so that the vision of a ‘Developed India’ becomes not just a goal but a ground reality.

He was addressing representatives of Urban Local Bodies during the closing ceremony of the National Conference in Manesar, Gurugram today.

The Deputy Speaker said that Haryana has already set several successful examples in the areas of transparency, e-governance, and citizen participation within the urban local body sector. Whether in Municipal Corporations like Gurugram and Faridabad or in Municipal Councils across other districts, development plans have consistently been created with citizens at the core. He further remarked that the in-depth discussions held during the conference on the theme “Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and the Role of Urban Local Bodies in Nation Building” were not only timely but also highly relevant in advancing the vision of India as a developed nation.

He said that the empowerment of urban local bodies must be evident on the ground—not merely confined to policy documents. An ideal municipal body, he said, is one where every citizen feels confident that their voice is heard, and their concerns don’t remain stuck in files but move toward practical solutions.

He added that only when all states strengthen their municipal institutions—making them responsive, accountable, and citizen-centric—can we truly realize the full spirit of constitutional democracy.

He underlined that a model urban local body is not just an administrative structure, but a vibrant, responsible, and participatory system that functions transparently and inclusively, aligned with the real needs of its citizens.

He reiterated the vision of an ideal urban local body, one where every decision is made with active citizen participation, and where public voices are translated into effective policies through Mohalla Sabhas and Ward Committees. Administrative processes, he said, must be streamlined through the use of digital technologies; grievances should be addressed promptly; and essential services whether related to water, sanitation, or health must be accessible, efficient, and of high quality, ensuring that the public receives well-organized and reliable urban amenities.

Dr. Midha stated that an ideal municipal body is one that is environmentally conscious, driven by innovation, and committed to empowering women. He emphasized that self-employment schemes for youth, along with safe and accessible infrastructure such as roads, lighting, parks, and public transport, can be effectively implemented through smart initiatives. A truly excellent model of urban governance, he said, is a body that is financially self-reliant, resilient to disasters, and actively working to transform the vision of ‘Developed India 2047’ into a practical reality.

He emphasized the need to build a system where urban local bodies are not seen merely as administrative units, but as shared centers of public sentiment where councillors serve not just as elected representatives, but as true guardians of their communities.

Dr. Midha expressed pride that the Haryana Vidhan Sabha had the honour of hosting this historic event. He extended his gratitude to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, and the Gurugram Administration for the successful organization of the two-day national conference.

Chandigarh July 4: Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Sh Manohar Lal, attended the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies held in Manesar, Gurugram on Friday as the Chief Guest.

 In his address, the Minister emphasized the crucial role such conferences play in capacity building for urban governance. He said that this is the first time a conference of urban local body representatives has been organized on such a large scale, marking a significant milestone. He further advocated for the regular organization of similar events across the country, highlighting the importance of utilizing online platforms to ensure broader participation. “Wider engagement will empower more people to contribute and help transform the face of our cities,” he said.

Sh Manohar Lal stated that, similar to the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, urban local bodies should also conduct formal House sessions, chaired by a person elected in the manner of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. This, he said, would help establish a more transparent and accountable system of governance.  The Minister urged public representatives from across the country to actively contribute to strengthening urban local bodies. He also encouraged the implementation of best practices showcased during the conference, especially by those urban bodies that demonstrated exemplary work, to further improve the quality of life and infrastructure in cities.

Urban Development should go hand-in-hand with environmental protection

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal emphasized that urban development must go hand in hand with environmental protection.

He stated that while pursuing progressive initiatives, it is essential to keep environmental sustainability at the forefront. The Minister highlighted the need to improve traffic systems and simultaneously plan for e-mobility solutions. He noted that while metro rail services began in India in 2002 much later than in the United States, where metros have existed for over 150 years, India has made remarkable progress. Today, metro networks span 1,000 kilometers across 21 cities, which is comparable to the extent of metro systems in the U.S. He added that there are plans to expand this network even further in the future.

Cities to be rebuilt through the Urban Challenge Fund

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal stated that cities will be redeveloped through the Central Government’s Urban Challenge Fund, under which Rs 1 lakh crore will be allocated.

He emphasized that to improve urban living conditions; best practices from leading cities around the world are being adopted. As part of this effort, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has recently been signed with Spain to facilitate the exchange of successful urban development models between the two countries. The Minister highlighted that urbanization in India is accelerating rapidly. In response, both governments and municipal bodies must increase their pace of action. He stressed the need for proper workforce training and the efficient use of time and resources to meet future challenges. Citing data, he said that urbanization in India was at 20 percent in 1970, has risen to 36 percent today, and is projected to reach 50 percent by 2047.

Need to raise awareness among common citizens

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal stated that while efforts are being made to sensitize public representatives through such events, it is equally important to raise awareness among common citizens.

He emphasized that an informed and aware public leads to greater transparency in the system, resulting in more effective and efficient development work. The Minister also underlined the need for making urban local bodies self-reliant. He said that while these bodies receive a fixed amount of funding from the central and state governments, achieving true self-reliance must go hand-in-hand with ensuring transparency and accountability in their functioning.

Focus on capacity and skill building

Union Minister Sh Manohar Lal emphasized the importance of skill development for employees and officers working in municipal bodies. He encouraged the use of the iGOT Karmayogi platform (https://www.igotkarmayogi.gov.in) for continuous learning and capacity building. So far, 21 states have signed MoUs to adopt the platform. With over 2,000 courses available, individuals can access a wide range of online training modules to enhance their skills and improve performance in their respective roles.

On this occasion, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Sh Harivansh, Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya, Union Minister of State Rao Inderjit Singh, Secretary General Rajya Sabha Sh P.C. Modi, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Sh Harvinder Kalyan, Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishan Lal Middha, and other dignitaries were present.

Chandigarh, July 4 – The Haryana Government today announced a significant enhancement to the casual leave policy for its female contractual employees. In an order issued by Chief Secretary Sh. Anurag Rastogi, it is stated that female contractual employees, including those deployed through Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam Limited, will now be entitled to two days of additional casual leave per month, subject  to a maximum of 22 days in a calendar year, more than double the previous limit of 10 days.

This new provision is in addition to the existing 10 days of medical leave provided annually. The revision applies to all female contractual employees working under Outsourcing Policy Part-II and those engaged through HKRNL, the notification added.

All administrative secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors/chief administrators/CEOs of boards/corporations/public undertakings, divisional commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers (Civil), and Registrars of all universities in Haryana have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these new instructions.

Chandigarh, July 4 – Haryana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Sh. Shyam Singh Rana said natural farming is the need of the hour and Haryana has taken an initiative to promote it. The inclination of farmers towards this farming is also increasing continuously. Natural farming will not only reduce environmental pollution, there will also be availability of good and nutritious food. The use of NPK fertilizers will be increased by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in farming. He said the transplantation of paddy has almost been completed and now the consumption of DAP and urea fertilizers will increase in the crop. Therefore, the officials should ensure that there is no shortage of fertilizers. Black marketing of urea and DAP fertilizers should be stopped.

The Agriculture Minister was presiding over a review meeting with the officials of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department at his residence here today. The minister directed the officials to keep a record of DAP and urea fertilizers and also make arrangements so that Haryana’s fertilizers do not go to other states.

He said if someone does black marketing of fertilizers, sells fake medicines and seeds, then action should be taken against him. If the dealer is forcibly selling any other product along with fertilizer to the farmers, then action should be taken against him. Officials should keep a record of fertilizer sales every day and try to immediately resolve the problems faced by the farmers.

He said the process of getting crop insurance has started under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Farmers should be made aware to get their crops insured. If any company is not doing insurance, then a report should also be prepared for this, so that farmers do not face any problem.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Director of Agriculture Department Sh. Rajnarayan Kaushik and several other officers were present in the meeting.

Chandigarh, July 4:

To enhance the safety and security of residents in Bapu Dham Colony, Member of Parliament and former Union Minister Shri Manish Tewari today inaugurated 51 CCTV cameras installed through a ₹5 lakh grant from his MPLAD fund.

The inauguration event saw the presence of Chandigarh Congress President H.S. Lucky along with several senior leaders and local representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Tewari emphasized that ensuring the safety and improving the living standards of his constituents remains a top priority. He reiterated his commitment to providing necessary funding for CCTV surveillance and other development works in various parts of the city, based on need.

“There will be no shortage of funds when it comes to the development of Chandigarh,” he assured.

H.S. Lucky thanked Shri Manish Tewari for his consistent efforts and said, “Development is not about words, it’s about work — and MP Tewari has proven that through action.”

Prominent attendees included, Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, Deputy Mayor Taruna Mehta, Rajiv Modgil, Harmel Kesari, Krishan Pradhan, Krishan Kumar Lara, Rajdeep Sidhu DCC President, Suman Lata Vaid, Rano Devi, Mohammad Suleman, Amrit Lal Kala, Yaqi Kalia, Dawood Ahmed, Haji Yamas, Ashu Vaid, Ajay Sharma, Wasim Mir, and Mohammad Imran, among others.

Chandigarh, July 4

The Municipal Corporation Chandigarh has issued a stern warning to all individuals, traders, and commercial establishments found violating the single-use plastic ban in the city. Chandigarh MC Commissioner Sh. Amit Kumar, IAS, while reviewing the enforcement of the ban, directed the concerned officers of MCC for formation of a special task force to trace and dismantle the supply chain of banned plastic carry bags entering Chandigarh.

The Commissioner emphasized that zero tolerance will be shown towards violators, particularly repeat offenders. He warned that strict legal action will be taken, which may include heavy penalties, seizure of goods, and in severe cases, temporary or permanent closure of the establishment.

As part of the Plastic Mukt Chandigarh campaign, rigorous enforcement drives have been conducted since the ban came into effect on June 18, 2025. So far 520 challans have been issued, 123 Kg banned plastic carry bags have been confiscated besides selling 423 kg compostable bags.

The Commissioner said that MCC enforcement teams are inspecting sensitive areas such as Apni Mandis, grocery shops, street vendors, and markets on a daily basis.

Commissioner Kumar reiterated that single-use plastic items, including bags, straws, and disposable cutlery, are strictly prohibited due to their harmful impact on the environment and public health. He urged citizens and businesses to adopt sustainable alternatives such as cloth and compostable bags.

The Commissioner appeals to the public to cooperate in making Chandigarh plastic-free. MCC will not hesitate to take stringent action against those undermining the city’s environmental efforts, he said.

Chandigarh, July 4, 2025: The Punjab Vigilance Bureau (VB), during its ongoing drive against corruption in the state, has arrested Baljit Singh, Junior Engineer (JE), posted at the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), Sub-station, Kandhala Jattan in Hoshiarpur district red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the VB stated that the case was registered based on a complaint filed by a resident of village Sikri, in Hoshiarpur district.

“The complainant has approached the VB alleging that the aforementioned JE has demanded Rs 20000 in lieu of installing a new transformer in his village to rectify the power supply load. Upon the complainant’s request, the JE agreed to accept Rs 15000 bribe”, he said.

The spokesperson further added that following verification of the complaint, a vigilance team from Jalandhar range laid a trap during which the above said accused has been caught red-handed while he was accepting a bribe of Rs 15000 from the complainant in the presence of two official witnesses.

In this regard a case under Prevention of Corruption Act has been registered against the said JE at VB Police Station, Jalandhar Range. The accused would be produced in the competent court tomorrow, and further investigation into this case was under progress, he added.