Prime Minister reviewed the progress of the Government's flagship program for urban renewal, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, last week. (16.10.2006.) Sh Jaipal Reddy, Minister for Urban Development, Kumari Selja, Minister of State for Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation, Mr Montek Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission participated, apart from Principal Secretary to PM, Cabinet Secretary and other officers. Shri Nandan Nilekani, Chairman Infosys, Prof. O.P. Mathur, NIPFP, Smt. Sheela Patel and Shri Ramesh Ramanathan representing the voluntary sector, all Members of the Technical Advisory Group on JNNURM, also participated.

Secretary (UD) gave an account of the implementation of the Sub-Mission on Urban Infrastructure and Governance while Secretary (HUPA) explained the progress achieved in the implementation of the Sub-mission on Basic Services to the Urban Poor.

Minister for Urban Development informed that JNNURM has generated enormous enthusiasm and tremendous response by State Governments and Urban Local Bodies. This was endorsed by all the participants.

Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved since the launch of the Mission on December 3, 2005. As many as 46 of the 63 cities taken up under the Mission have already prepared and submitted their City Development Plans. 79 projects costing over Rs 4400 crores have been sanctioned. These projects are mostly in the areas of water supply, sanitation and solid waste management.

It was discussed that a National Model law be prepared for protecting the rights of street vendors to enable them to engage in their occupations without harassment. Such a model law would be got ready by November for circulation to the states.

Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure community participation, particularly to address the problems of urban poverty. He also stressed the need to generate resources at the local level to ensure proper maintenance of the public assets, and sustainability of the program. He directed that all efforts be taken to implement the Mission with utmost efficiency and effectiveness while keeping equity issue foremost in view.