-Organized, Clean, Smart, Sustainable, and Citizen-Friendly Cities Key to a Developed India
-Haryana Leads with Vision-Based, Coordinated, and Citizen-Centric Urban Development Initiative
Gurugram : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has taken decisive steps to translate Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision and goals into action at the grassroots level. In line with this commitment, he has initiated efforts to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047.
As part of this initiative, Haryana hosted the first national conference of Mayors from states and union territories, reinforcing the importance of public participation in democracy. He believes that one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century is the rapid pace of urbanization, with a growing segment of the population migrating to cities. In this context, urban local bodies will play a pivotal role in implementing the road map for a Developed India 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.
The Chief Minister firmly believes that unless our cities are organized, clean, smart, sustainable, and citizen-friendly, the vision of a developed India cannot be realized. He emphasizes that the third tier of democracy, Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Municipalities, has evolved beyond its traditional role of managing urban services. These institutions are now key drivers of development.
Urban development has been placed at the core of the state’s policy agenda. The decision to host this national conference in Gurugram reflects the Chief Minister’s intent to demonstrate to public representatives from across the country how a well-planned and efficiently managed city can thrive. Gurugram has emerged as a leading IT and corporate hub, not just in India but across globe. To further empower urban governance, the state government established the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA), providing greater autonomy and streamlined coordination for the region’s development bodies.
During the conference, public representatives were informed that similar metropolitan development authorities have also been established in Faridabad, Sonipat, Hisar, and Panchkula. These authorities aim to ensure that urban development is guided by a clear vision, is well-coordinated, and remains accountable to the people. There is direct dialogue takes place between citizens and the administration. Therefore, the leadership, vision, and planning of elected representatives will shape the direction of India’s future.
The Chief Minister urged all public representatives to commit themselves to realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047. He called upon them to carry the spirit of this resolution, taken from the soil of Haryana, to their respective municipal bodies and to share it with the people in their constituencies during House meetings.
A strong glimpse of women empowerment was evident at this national conference, with women making up 50 percent of public representatives in some states and 33 percent in others. It is a notable coincidence that this first-of-its-kind national conference has ignited new enthusiasm among elected representatives across the country.
This spirit of inclusivity and democratic engagement was further reflected by the participation of 40 first-time MLAs elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha. Importantly, the conference saw representation not only from the ruling party but also from opposition members, who set aside political differences to support the initiative led by Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini. Their collective participation underscored a shared commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and governance.