AP: Seven-member GoM constituted to lend global edge to ULBs

The Andhra Pradesh government has constituted a seven-member Group of Ministers, under the chairmanship of Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, to prepare a new development policy framework to make urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state "globally competitive" with access to "best-in-class infrastructure".
The state government intends to develop 14 smart cities that will enhance the quality of infrastructure and service delivery to the citizens.
The cities will also be "branded" appropriately upon their development.
Besides, the state also plans to create "greenfield new cities" -- like industrial, education, tourism and health cities -- in and around existing urban centres to generate employment in collaboration with government and private sectors and multinationals.

The plan also envisages building 10 lakh affordable houses over the next ten years in tune with the growing demand, according to Chief Secretary Satya Prakash Tucker.
"The state's urban population is 30 per cent of the total population and is expected to grow to 43 per cent in the next 15 years.

The cities in the state are envisioned to be globallycompetitive with access to not only best in class infrastructure, education and social life but also be productive, inclusive, sustainable, smart and well-governed.
The ULBs in the state will be progressive, financially independent and innovative," the Chief Secretary said.

The Group of Ministers would make recommendations on urban development policy reforms covering the areas of policy, institutional structures, financial structures and capacity building in ULBs in the state.
It would also recommend policies for promotion of local industries thatcreate employment and institutionalstructures and mechanisms to be created for better urban planning, development and management from regional and ULB area perspective.
The GoM has been asked to submit its report to the Cabinet in two months.
While the Principal Secretary (MAUD) would be the convener of the GoM, the Principal Secretary (Tourism) and the Secretary (Industries) would assist it.