The dream of ‘Developed India’ should not only become a goal but a ground reality – said Deputy Speaker
Haryana has already presented many successful examples of transparency, e-governance and citizen participation in the urban local body sector
* Deputy Speaker Dr. Krishna Lal Midha expressed his views in the welcome address at the closing ceremony of the two-day national conference
Gurugram : Deputy Speaker of Haryana Assembly Dr. Krishna Lal Midha said that the representatives of urban local bodies should not only make their cities “smart” but also capable, inclusive and sustainable – so that the dream of ‘Developed India’ can become not only a goal but a ground reality.
The Deputy Speaker was addressing the public representatives present on the occasion of the closing of the national conference on Friday.
The Deputy Speaker said that Haryana has already presented many successful examples of transparency, e-governance and citizen participation in the urban local body sector. Whether it is Municipal Corporations like Gurugram and Faridabad or Municipal Councils in other districts, we have made plans keeping the citizens at the center at all places.
The Deputy Speaker said that the in-depth discussion on the topic “Strengthening constitutional democracy and the role of urban local bodies in nation building” in this conference is not only timely, but is also extremely relevant in the direction of making India a ‘developed nation’.
The empowerment of urban bodies should not be seen only on paper, but on the ground. An ideal municipal body will be formed when every citizen is confident that his voice is heard, his problem is not just in a file, but turns into a process of solution.
He said that only when all the states make their respective municipal bodies empowered, responsible and accountable to the citizens, we will be able to experience constitutional democracy in its entirety.
Deputy Speaker Dr Midha said in his address that when we envision an excellent urban body, it is not just an administrative unit, but a vibrant, responsive and participatory mechanism, which works in a strong, transparent and inclusive manner in accordance with the needs of the citizens.
He reiterated that such an urban local body, where every decision is made with the participation of citizens, where the voice of the public is converted into policies through Mohalla Sabhas and Ward Committees. Administrative processes are simplified with the use of digital technologies, complaints are resolved in a timely manner, and every service, be it water, sanitation or health, is accessible with quality, so that the general public can get well-organized facilities.
Dr Midha said that an ideal municipal body is one that is environment-sensitive, innovation-driven and gives priority to women empowerment. Self-employment schemes for the youth, roads, lights, parks and transport can be made safe and accessible through smart schemes. Such a body that is financially self-reliant, disaster-aware, and gives a practical shape to the dream of ‘Developed India 2047’ is a living concept of an excellent urban governance.
He said that an excellent urban body is one that understands the soul of the city – where the buildings are not only high, but the thinking is also broad. Such an urban body strengthens the roots of our democracy and in the true sense, such bodies contribute completely to nation building.
He said that we have to create such a system where urban bodies become a common centre of sentiments instead of being a mere government unit. Where councillors are not just public representatives but the protectors of the neighbourhood.
It is a matter of pride for us that Haryana Vidhan Sabha has got the opportunity to host this historic event. He thanked the Lok Sabha Secretariat, Haryana Vidhan Sabha Secretariat and Gurugram Administration for successfully organising the two-day conference.