The Government on Saturday asked States to strengthen urban local bodies by transferring funds and powers for successful implementation of new urban initiatives.
“Countdown for urban transformation has begun. States and ULBs have a critical role to make the schemes a reality,” Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu told journalists here.
“Without devolution of powers and funds to urban local bodies as per the 74th Amendment, urban schemes cannot be successfully implemented,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said the 14th Finance Commission has granted Rs. 87,143 crore against Rs. 23,111 crore by 13th Finance Commission which is a substantial increase of four times for urban local bodies.
However he lamented that many States were yet to transfer power and funds as required by law.
The Minister said there was no allegation of any corruption against any Minister serving in Narendra Modi government. The BJP government was pursuing agenda of “development and good governance, he asserted. He was asked to respond on the controversy surrounding Lalit Modi wherein the Congress demanding resignation of Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje.
“Some people want to play politics on each and every thing and let them play politics. We are focusing our attention on development. The law is there it will take its own course,” he said.
