On December 18, 2109 the centre has decided to extend the mission period of its flagship initiative Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for urban renewal from 2020 to 2022. The extension was made, as the previously set targets were unable to be met in 500 cities of the country.
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
i.It was first launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on June 25, 2015. The programme was preceded by Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission(JNNURM). Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA) is the agency responsible for AMRUT.
ii.Target set: the initiative promises to provide 139 lakh water connections by March 2020, 145 lakh sewer connections, storm water drainage projects, parks and green spaces and LED (Light Emitting Diodes) streetlights. The total outlay for this initiative isRs 77,640 crore (including central assistance of Rs 35,990).
iii.Target achieved so far: According to the data by the ministry of housing and urban affairs, only 2,316 projects worth Rs 7,195 crore or 9.2% of the total outlay have been completed over the last 5 years.
- Sewage & water connection targets: About 46% of water connection and 28.3% of sewer connection targets were achieved between June 2015 and December 2019.
iv.It is for the 1st time the govt. has initiated projects on such a large scale, thus there has been a need to complete all the projects with an extended time. Hence, AMRUT Mission would require three additional years upto 2022-23 to complete all projects.
v.Mission Thrust Areas: The mission has 5 thrust areas based on priority. The top priority is given to water connections and enhancing water supply capacity.
About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs:
Founded- 1952.
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Minister of State (MoS- Independent Charge)- Shri Hardeep Singh Puri. (Constituency- Amritsar, Punjab)
