‘Urban managers' to help small ULBs tackle unique challenges
Lucknow: In a significant step towards strengthening urban centres in Uttar Pradesh, the state govt on Thursday signed an MoU with the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi.
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The institute would guide the employees deputed in the urban local bodies as well as Lucknow-based directorate to take forward the aspirational cities programme on the right track. Tata Trust is also among the stakeholders helping the state govt to roll out the programme.
Principal secretary of the department Amrit Abhijat, secretary, Ajay Kumar Shukla and director of ULBs in UP Anuj Kumar Jha and Shikha Srivastava from TATA Trust and Poonam Praksash from SPA were present when the MoU exchanged hands between the stakeholders.
The collaboration addresses a critical gap in urban planning expertise, particularly in smaller towns experiencing rapid growth. By focusing on capacity building, the initiative seeks to create a network of competent 'urban managers' capable of tackling the unique challenges faced by small ULBs. The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework that includes assessing training needs, identifying skilled trainers and developing tailored programs to enhance local planning capabilities.
"This MoU represents our commitment to ensuring that no city, regardless of size, is left behind in our urban development journey," said Abhijat.
The partnership will deliver an integrated training plan, foster collaborations with state and regional institutions, and provide specialized training manuals to ensure knowledge reaches the grassroots level.
Director, SPA, Virendra Kumar Paul, emphasized the initiative's broader vision: "Capacity building is a big thrust for infrastructure development in India. We aspire to create a pool of competent 'Urban Managers' who will contribute to sustainable, climate-resilient, and culturally vibrant cities as a pride of India."
The Tata Trust's financial support underscores the program's potential to reshape Uttar Pradesh's urban landscape, said an officer.
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