The Gujarat Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, recently approved a significant move that will impact the urban landscape of the state.
The Cabinet has sanctioned the creation of nine new Municipal Corporations, a decision that promises to bring more efficient governance and development to various regions.
This decision is a follow-up to the state’s budget announcement for 2024-25, where it was pledged that municipalities in Navsari, Vapi, Anand, Nadiad, Mehsana, Surendranagar/Wadhwan, Morbi, Porbandar/Chhaya, and Gandhidham would be upgraded to Municipal Corporations.
In a show of commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Je Kahevu Te Karvu’ (Delivering on Commitments), the state government has moved swiftly to implement this plan.
The creation of these new Municipal Corporations aligns with Bhupendra Patel's broader goal of making Gujarat a developed state by 2047, part of the larger vision of Viksit Bharat.
The state’s approach to governance and urban planning is focused on the twin principles of ‘Earning Well’ and ‘Living Well’ for its citizens, which resonates with the aspirations of the nation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Currently, Gujarat is home to eight Municipal Corporations—Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar, and Gandhinagar. The creation of these nine new Municipal Corporations will expand this number to 17, marking an important milestone for the state.
The last creation of Municipal Corporations occurred nearly 14 years ago, with Junagadh and Gandhinagar being formed in 2002 and 2010, respectively.
These newly approved Municipal Corporations will cover a wide range of areas across the state. For instance, Navsari will be merged with several neighbouring Gram Panchayats, including Dantej, Dharagiri, Eru, and Hansapore.
Similarly, Gandhidham will merge with Kidana, Galpadar, Antarjaal, Shinai, Meghpar-Borichi, and Meghpar-Kumbhardi Gram Panchayats to form a more cohesive urban body.
Other municipalities such as Morbi, Vapi, Anand, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Porbandar, and Nadiad will also see significant restructuring as they join forces with nearby Gram Panchayats to form their respective Municipal Corporations.
The initiative to form these new Municipal Corporations will enhance the governance framework and make the process more efficient and transparent.
The state government’s approach ensures that urban development is in line with the planning vision laid out by NITI Aayog, which envisions ‘Cities as Engines of Growth’.
The state will now have a more structured approach to urban planning, with clear allocation of land for roads, commercial spaces, schools, community centres, and other essential infrastructure.
The transformation into Municipal Corporations will also bring essential services to these newly upgraded areas in a more efficient manner. These services will include better road infrastructure, sewage systems, sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare, education, street lighting, parks, and transportation.
Additionally, the introduction of key urban projects such as Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS), Metro Rail networks, and Riverfront development will further enhance the quality of life for citizens.
Rushikesh Patel, Gujarat’s Minister, highlighted the importance of this move, stating that it will strengthen governance and improve the delivery of civic amenities in these newly upgraded areas.
The government will provide the necessary financial and administrative support to ensure that the transition is smooth and that the provision of services is timely and well-planned.
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