PM-JNNURM 2

"This government can take great pride in having
launched a Mission that is a game changer for urban India,"
the Prime Minister said.
He said the balanced development of the urban sector
is an integral part of the strategy for inclusive growth.
Pointing out that the process of municipal reform
under the Mission needs to deepen and be more even across
cities, Singh said the urban local bodies have to develop the
capacity to provide efficient, equitable and transparent
governance.
"They have to have the ability to conceive, design and
implement large projects. They have to be sensitive to the
needs and welfare of the urban poor," he said, adding that
improving the financial health of the municipalities was a
priority.
"The states should fulfill their obligations to
devolve functions and finances to municipal bodies. State
Finance Commissions have to be set up periodically and their
recommendations implemented in both letter and spirit," he
said.
Noting that only urban local bodies in good financial
shape would be able to attract private investment or
assistance from multilateral financial institutions, Singh
said both of these are indispensable for financing the
development of our cities. (More) PTI