Union Minister attends 53rd Annual General Meeting of All India Council of Mayors as Chief Guest in Karnal
Mayors should replicate effective models from well-managed States in their own regions
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, emphasized the importance of focusing on cleanliness and hygiene, stating that we must work together to achieve a cleaner India. "Only when our country is truly clean can we claim that India has made remarkable progress in cleanliness," he said. He urged all mayors to form dedicated teams with their councilors and take collective responsibility without bias or discrimination to ensure cities are kept clean and well-maintained.
Union Minister said this while addressing the 53rd Annual General Meeting of the All India Council of Mayors held in Karnal on Tuesday.
He said that following the Central and State Governments, the municipal body serves as the third tier of governance in cities. There are 5,020 cities across the country, and urbanization is increasing rapidly. In 1970, the urban population was just 20 percent; fifty years later, it rose to 35 percent, and it is projected that in the next 15 years, 50 percent of the population will be living in urban areas. People are increasingly migrating to cities in search of employment. This trend is not merely a statistic, but a reflection of immense opportunities for growth, modern infrastructure, and improved lifestyles. To realize the vision of a developed India, coordinated efforts are needed in this direction. Therefore, municipal bodies must ensure the provision of better facilities in cities.
Manohar Lal said that Mayors should replicate effective models from well-managed States in their own regions. Citing the example of mayoral elections, he noted that while Uttar Pradesh had a system of direct elections for the mayor’s post, Haryana initially did not. He took the initiative to change this by introducing direct elections for mayors in Haryana. He emphasized that the implementation of such systems requires legislative action by the respective state governments.
The Union Minister emphasized that each city has its own unique characteristics; some are religious hubs, while others are industrial centers leading to different needs and challenges. Therefore, tailored arrangements must be made accordingly. He urged all public representatives to work continuously for the development and improvement of their cities. He also highlighted the importance of public representatives maintaining a positive image through their actions and dedication.