VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has topped in implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) at the national level. AP stood first in implementation of AMRUT with 65.24 per cent, followed by Odisha (59.17 per cent), Madhya Pradesh (54.32 per cent) and Telangana (52.39 per cent) in the rankings awarded to States and Union Territories (UTs).
The rankings were given by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs after reviewing the implementation of AMRUT in the country in the past three years.
The Centre launched the scheme on June 25, 2015, which aims at effective execution of infrastructure development works such as drinking water supply, stormwater and drainage system, sanitation and garbage collection in municipal towns.
During a meeting held on ‘Ease of Living Index’ in New Delhi on Monday, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri presented the award to Municipal Administration Director K Kanna Babu.
Preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs), contracts awarded, completion of development projects, submission of Utilisation Certificates, urban reforms and several other factors are taken into consideration in awarding rankings to the States in implementation of AMRUT, an official told TNIE.
Expressing happiness over the achievement of AP, Kanna Babu said the use of modern technology in execution of works enabled the State get top position. He announced that more reforms will be introduced in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department in the coming days to provide better services to people.
“Under the able guidance of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana, we have introduced several reforms with focus on infrastructure development to improve the Ease of Living Index in urban areas,” Kanna Babu added.
The top four
Andhra Pradesh 65.24%
Odisha 59.17%
Madhya Pradesh 54.32%
Telangana 52.39%