A funding of around Rs 1.56 lakh crore has been proposed by the 15th Finance Commission for urban local bodies.

According to Durga Shanker Mishra, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary, Rs 12,139 crore has been earmarked to improve the quality of ambient air, and Rs 26,057 crore has been allocated for the management of drinking water, sanitation and solid waste.

He indicated that to reap the benefits of the funding provided by the 15th Finance Commission, urban local authorities will have to track property tax in accordance with the state GDP. Also local bodies have to publicly disclose their annual accounts that are audited and unaudited.

Focusing on Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) announced in her budget 2021 speech by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Mishra informed 'Pey Jal Survekshan' would be conducted through a challenge mechanism in cities to assess fair water distribution, wastewater reuse and mapping of water bodies in terms of water quantity and quality.

The ministry announced in a statement that the mission has a reformist agenda centered on strengthening urban local authorities and urban water preservation.

By: Shailaja K