Empowering urban governance, Rs. 29668.71 crores have been disbursed to ULBs since October 2014, encompassing various central and state schemes
With 35% population thriving in urban centers, Haryana’s urban revolution has become a ground-breaking tale of Dynamic Development Initiatives
Chandigarh, March 6- Haryana, one of India’s fastest-growing states, is witnessing a significant urbanization trend, with nearly 35 percent of its population residing in urban areas. This demographic shift has prompted the government to undertake various development schemes aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing livelihood opportunities, and ensuring the overall well-being of urban residents.
At the core of Haryana’s urban transformation lie its 88 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Committees. Bolstered by a substantial allocation of Rs. 29668.71 Crores since October 2014, sourced from both central and state schemes, these bodies serve as catalysts for progress, driving infrastructure enhancement and socio-economic upliftment across urban domains.
Haryana’s urban development landscape reflects a proactive and holistic approach towards addressing the evolving needs of its urban population. Through a combination of infrastructure investments, innovative schemes, and policy interventions, the state is charting a path towards sustainable and inclusive urban growth. As urbanization continues to accelerate, these initiatives are poised to transform Haryana’s cities into vibrant hubs of opportunity and prosperity.
Catalysts for change: Major development schemes
Under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM) scheme introduced in April, 2014 by Government of India, 7,692 Self Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, 4,800 SHGs have been provided with revolving fund and 727 SHGs have been credit linked with banks, 6,072 loan cases under Self Employment Programme have been sanctioned by the banks and interest subsidized loan to 5,806 loan cases have been disbursed by the banks. 44,339 candidates have been trained and 1,280 candidates are under training. 33,875 candidates have been certified and 15,048 candidates have been provided placement so far.
The Government of India has launched a Special Micro-Credit Facility Scheme namely PM-Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM- SVANidhi) on June 1, 2020 to facilitate working capital loan upto Rs. 10,000 under Tranche-1, Rs. 20,000 under Tranche -2 and Rs. 50,000 under Tranche -3. An interest subsidy @ 7% per annum by the Government of India and additional 2% per annum by the State Government will be provided to the beneficiaries of PM-SVANidhi scheme.
As on October 9, 2023, under Tranche-1, 1,54,019 loan applications have been received from urban street vendors out of which 1,01,020 applications have been sanctioned by the Banks and loans to 79,007 street vendors have been disbursed. Similarly, loan to 15,066 street vendors under Tranche – 2 and loan to 2,273 street vendors under Tranche – 3 has been disbursed by Banks/LIs, Further, an amount of additional interest subsidy Rs. 11,05,025 has been released to 16,913 PM-SVANidhi beneficiaries by the State Government.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
The State of Haryana is at 15th Rank out of all the 36 State/UTs under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). 18 Urban Local Bodies of Haryana have been included in AMRUT Mission. The Government of India has approved the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP) amounting to Rs. 2565.74 Crore for State of Haryana under AMRUT 1.0. In addition to this, the State Level High Powered Steering Committee (SHPSC) has approved 2 additional DPRs worth Rs. 238.57 Crore for Water Supply Scheme Ambala Sadar and Sewerage Scheme Panipat along with some other important components. The State Government will provide the additional Budget amounting to Rs. 238.57 Crore under State Convergence share. The revised provision of funds under AMRUT 1.0 becomes Rs. 2804.31 Crore. Funds amounting to Rs. 2724.37 Crore has been received from the Government of India and Haryana Government.
Besides this, 55 works having capital cost Rs. 3097.63 Crore have been approved by SLTC in its various meetings. 32 Works have been completed and 23 works are in progress. These works are likely to be completed upto March 31, 2024. The tender for 6 works is being invited at Risk and Cost of the agencies. The expected date of completion of these 6 works is December 31, 2024. Expenditure amounting to Rs. 2738.00 Crore has been incurred till date.
Also, 1770 Km of Water Supply Line and 1767 Km of Sewerage Line has been laid till date and 157 Km Storm Water Drainage has been constructed. Work of 23 STPs has been completed out of 32 proposed STPs. 1.73 Lakh Water Supply Household connections and 1.79 Lakh Sewerage House Connection has been provided under AMRUT 1.0.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
To achieve the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban, Haryana has committed to provide Quality Sanitary Services to the Community. Acknowledging the dedicated efforts of Haryana, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has allocated Rs. 287.08 crore for implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission –Urban 1.0 in Haryana. Government of India has released Rs 186.00 crore as central share and State Government has released Rs 206.01 Crore as state share.
SBM- Urban 2.0 was launched by the Prime Minister on October 1, 2021. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has allocated Rs. The Government of India has released Rs 13.45 Crore as central share under SBM – Urban 2.0 in various components.
The Swachh Haryana application represents a significant leap towards citizen empowerment and participatory governance. In its latest version, citizens can now raise complaints related to crucial civic services such as garbage collection, street lights, road sweeping, nala cleaning, and public toilets. This real-time reporting mechanism not only fosters transparency but also ensures timely resolution of issues, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
Smart city
Under the Smart City Mission, two cities from the State of Haryana were selected i.e., Faridabad on May 21, 2016 and Karnal on June 28, 2017. FARIDABAD received a total funds of Rs.784.00 crore and utilized Rs.719.98 crore. Whereas, KARNAL received a total of Rs.686.00 Crore and utilized Rs.595.15 Crore till date. There are a total 45 projects under the Faridabad Smart City Limited with total cost of Rs. 930.04 Crores and 107 projects under Karnal Smart City Limited with total cost of Rs. 930.00 Crore.
Out of 45 projects of the Faridabad Smart City Limited, 27 projects worth of Rs. 645.76 Crores have been completed.. Whereas, 18 projects worth Rs. 284.28 Crores are under execution. Similarly, out of 107 projects of Karnal Smart City Limited, 70 projects worth Rs. 235.10 Crores have been completed. A total of 13 projects worth Rs. 275.66 Crores are under execution. Whereas, 24 projects worth Rs. 419.24 Crores are being executed through other departments on Deposit work.
Nagar and Gram Darshan portal
The Chief Minister has launched a portal called Nagar Darshan Portal for receiving demands of urban citizens of Haryana. There are 6756 active demands at this portal received from 88 ULB’s within the State. Besides this, a new scheme namely Divya Nagar Yojna was announced during the Budget Speech on March 8, 2022 for development of the social, cultural and environmental aspects of our urban areas. During the current Financial Year 2023-2024, a provision of Rs 50 crore has been made under the scheme out of which, Rs. 31.04 crore has been booked to the concerned ULBs.
The State has been divided into 13 Integrated Solid Waste Management Clusters to provide end to end solutions for the management of solid waste generated under 88 ULBs of Haryana. Out of 13 clusters, the work for 5 clusters has been allotted. At present work in 5 out of 13 Clusters has been awarded and for the rest of cluster tenders will be invited after further orders of Government.
Revolutionizing services: Haryana’s online initiatives for citizen convenience
In the digital age, governments are increasingly leveraging technology to enhance service delivery and bring convenience to citizens’ doorsteps. Haryana is no exception, as it spearheads a series of online services aimed at simplifying processes and fostering a citizen-centric approach. From online advertising to building plan approvals and land transactions, the state is embracing digital solutions to ensure efficient governance.
The ULB department has launched 14 services online on SARAL Portal. Major services launched are: Water & Sewer connection, Issuance of Conveyance Deed, Booking of Community Centre etc. Furthermore, the citizens can generate No Dues Certificate for his property, make payment for outstanding dues and in case of any correction required in the data, the same can be submitted online. Also, a mobile app has been launched for implementation of plastic ban in the state. Using the app citizens can raise complaints against use/manufacture of plastic.
In a bid to streamline the advertising process and reach a wider audience, Haryana has implemented an Online Advertisement Portal. This platform facilitates the submission and approval of advertisements through a user-friendly interface. Citizens and businesses can now conveniently promote their products and services online, promoting transparency and ease of use.
Moreover, Haryana Online Building Plan Approval System (HOBPAS) is a groundbreaking initiative that simplifies the cumbersome process of obtaining building plan approvals. This digital platform enables architects, builders, and homeowners to submit their building plans online, eliminating the need for physical documentation. The system streamlines the approval process, reduces paperwork, and accelerates the pace of construction projects, contributing to the overall development of the state.
The Change of Land Use (CLU) is a critical aspect of land development, and Haryana has taken a significant step forward by providing CLU services through the Haryana Enterprises Promotion Council (HEPC). This online service ensures a smoother and more efficient process for businesses seeking to change the land use for their operations. By facilitating the application and approval of CLU digitally, the state encourages economic growth and development.
Land branch matters:
Policy for transfer of municipal lands:
Recognizing the importance of effective land management, Haryana introduced a landmark policy on June 1, 2021, for the transfer of municipal lands with a consideration charge. This policy streamlines the process of transferring municipal lands, ensuring a fair and transparent mechanism for both the government and citizens involved. The online aspect of this policy further enhances accessibility and reduces bureaucratic hurdles.
Haryana Chief Minister
Policy of sale of shops/houses of the municipality
Policy issued by the State Government for sale of shops/houses in possession of person/entity for a period of 20 years or more on December 31, 2020 on rent/lease/license fee/tehbazari of municipalities. A total of 16667 beneficiaries are registered under this policy, out of which 11346 beneficiaries have applied on the portal, 5027 have been approved.
Declaration of civic amenities and infrastructure deficient areas
Under the Haryana Management of Civic Amenities And Infrastructure Deficient Municipal Areas (Special Provisions) Act, 2016, 685 colonies were declared as Civic Amenities and Infrastructure Deficient in Municipal Areas to provide water supply, sewerage, road and street light to the public residing in these areas. Further in the declared areas the resident after payment of fee and fulfillment of the terms and conditions can regularize their plot/building. Further amendment in the Haryana Management of Civic Amenities and Infrastructure Deficient Municipal Areas (Special Provisions) Act, 2016 was carried out. Further total 404 colonies have been notified as Civic Amenities and Infrastructure Deficient Areas after the amendment in the Act.
The Haryana municipal advertisement Bye-laws
In order to regulate the illegal advertisement and to generate revenue from the advertisement, the Advertisement Bye-law was notified. Further, the online portal for auction of Advertisement sites has also been launched for transparency and to explore the potential of advertisement sites.
Policy reforms in Haryana: A comprehensive overview for urban development
The state of Haryana has been proactive in implementing policy reforms aimed at alleviating various urban development challenges. These policies, spanning from 2016 to 2023, focus on a range of issues, including the conversion of residential plots for commercial use, regularization of illegal constructions, and the development of affordable housing. The key policy reforms initiated by the government to address these urban development concerns include Conversion of Residential Plots for Commercial Use, Regularization of Illegal Conversions in Housing Board Colonies, Regularization of Illegally Constructed Buildings, Regularization of Subdivided Plots, Nursing Homes Regularization Policy, Temporary Parking Lots on Vacant Plots, Affordable Housing Policy, Slum–In-Situ Rehabilitation Policy, Relocation Policy for Industries in Residential Areas and Water ATM Policy for Municipal Corporation.
Haryana’s commitment to addressing urban development challenges is evident through the implementation of a diverse range of policy reforms. From the conversion of plots to affordable housing initiatives, these policies collectively contribute to building a more sustainable, organized, and inclusive urban landscape in the state. It remains to be seen how these policies will evolve in the future, aligning with the dynamic needs of a rapidly growing urban population.
In conclusion, Haryana’s urban metamorphosis epitomizes a proactive and holistic approach to meet the burgeoning demands of its urban populace. With strategic infrastructure investments, visionary schemes, and forward-thinking policies, the state is poised to script a narrative of sustainable and inclusive urban prosperity. As urbanization surges ahead, these initiatives are primed to transform Haryana’s cities into vibrant bastions of opportunity and progress, paving the way for a resplendent urban future.
