Calling 2015 as the "year of action" Union Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister M Venkaiah Naid today asked senior officials of both the ministeries to "rise to the occasion", saying people's expectaions have risen from the governemnt.
Addressing about 200 senior officers here, Naidu said "sufficient time has been taken in the year 2014 conceptualising new initiatives like Smart Cities, Urban Renewal, Swachh Bharat Mission, Housing for All and Heritage City Development."
He said people's expectations have soared high after Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister and asked urban managers to "rise to the occasion".
The new year should prove to be the 'year of action', he added.
Naidu further said, "extensive consultations will all the concerned stakeholders on all the new initiatives were undertaken like in no other ministry during the last seven months and with the clarity acquired, emphasis should now move on to action."
"All should be guided by the mantras of Skill, Scale and Speed as suggested by the prime minister. Emphasis should be laid on transparency, accountability and honesty."
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Urban Development Babul Supriyo said that he was as passionate about his work in the two important ministries and would like to work as a bridge between the senior minister and officials.
