BHOPAL: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Monday, released Rs 931.5 crore to urban local bodies of the state, as per the recommendation of the 15th Finance Commission. Of this, Rs 432.5 crore has been allotted to million plus cities of Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Jabalpur. These are performance-based grants to improve sanitation, water management, air quality, solid waste management, etc. To be specific, Rs 131.5 crore has been reserved for air quality improvement, Rs 301 crore for drinking water, sewerage and sanitation. While Rs 499 crore has been given to non-million plus cities with a population of less than 10 lakhs, within which 199.6 crore is for local development works and Rs 299.4 crore for sanitation, sewerage, drinking water and conservation.
Chauhan asked the officials to aim for better implementation of infrastructural works and highest cleanliness rating in the survey. A special focus was laid on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna and PM Street Vendors’ Scheme. He also applauded the efforts of cities in revenue collection, as municipal bodies have managed to earn 35 per cent more revenue than last year.
Bhupendra Singh, Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Government of Madhya Pradesh was also present on the occasion. He said that Madhya Pradesh has done well in the field of urban development, as a result it is getting many awards and accolades.