CM Nayab Saini Stresses Role of Local Governance in Realising Viksit Bharat Mission

Thenewsdose.com

Chandigarh,July4,2025,UPDATED:10.40AM

At the inaugural session of the National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Manesar, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday unveiled the state’s ambitious Vision-2047 roadmap, setting a bold target to transform Haryana into a $1-trillion economy and generate 50 lakh jobs. He underscored the pivotal role of ULBs as engines of democratic and developmental change at the grassroots.

“Haryana is growing by the day,” said Saini, “and being chosen to host this prestigious conference reflects our rising stature on the national stage.” He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, adding, “We are nurturing the grassroots of democracy while preparing to emerge as a formidable economic force.”

ULBs as Nurseries of Democracy$1-trillion economy 

Calling urban local bodies the “first school and nursery of democracy,” CM Saini emphasised that strong democratic roots at the local level are essential for building a resilient nation. He praised the active role of ULBs in addressing daily civic challenges and making governance more participative and responsive.

Highlighting Haryana’s urbanisation blueprint, he showcased Gurugram as a symbol of smart and sustainable urban growth. He also unveiled plans to develop five ultra-modern cities under the Panch Gram Yojana along the 180-km-long Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (KMP) expressway corridor, designed to accommodate a population of 75 lakh by 2050.

Dignitaries Stress Deeper Democratic Reforms

Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan, addressing the gathering, said it was a moment of pride for Haryana—the land of the Bhagavad Gita—to host such a transformative conference. He noted that ULBs directly engage with citizens and are central to the success of India’s democratic and developmental journey.

Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel echoed similar sentiments, adding, “ULBs are not just the smallest but also the most sensitive units of democracy, working on the front lines of civic life.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the conference with a call for greater transparency and institutional discipline in municipal governance. He advocated the introduction of Question Hour and Zero Hour in urban local body meetings to ensure accountability.

“Just like Parliament, ULBs must promote constructive dialogue, not disruption,” Birla said. He praised the improved decorum in the 18th Lok Sabha, citing a notable decline in disruptions as a positive trend enhancing public trust. “Disruption weakens democracy. Dialogue, patience, and informed debate are its true strengths,” he emphasised.

He urged all ULBs to adopt regular structured meetings, create standing committees, and encourage open civic consultations to foster participatory governance.

Showcasing Best Practices: Innovation Across Indian Cities

The conference also served as a knowledge-sharing platform, where top-performing cities presented innovative models that could be replicated nationwide:

• Indore was applauded for its citizen-driven cleanliness model, particularly the efforts of Safai Mitras who start work at 6 a.m., contributing to the city’s consistent top ranking in cleanliness surveys.

• Surat showcased its remarkable achievement of generating Rs 140 crore by selling treated sewage water to industries and aims to raise another Rs 450 crore by supplying water to construction sites.

• Lucknow impressed delegates with its use of electric vehicles in waste collection, the creation of high-capacity waste processing plants, and efforts to transform dumping grounds into community assets.

• Pune demonstrated its biogas-based electricity generation systems, ward-wise waste segregation, and integrated sustainability initiatives, offering a model of green urban development.

A Roadmap for Sustainable Urban Future

The event reinforced the critical role ULBs play in achieving sustainable urbanisation, economic transformation, and democratic empowerment. As India moves towards its centenary of independence, such collaborative platforms signal a future where local governance is not only empowered but also deeply aligned with national development goals.