Lucknow: State govt has decided to roll out the second phase of the aspirational towns programme, under which 100 urban local bodies are going to be upgraded in a phased manner. The scheme aimed at improving the basic necessities and amenities in small towns of the state was introduced in Sept 2023, and 100 most backward local bodies were shortlisted for funding under the programme.With the first phase drawing to a close on March 31 after the stipulated milestones were achieved, the state selected 100 more backward towns having a population between 20,000 and 1 lakh. Senior officials from the urban development department revealed a budget of Rs 175 crore was earmarked to strengthen the civic amenities in the 100 more towns.“The scheme would last till March 31, 2028. We already have a dashboard and operating procedure that has been finalised in line with the recommendations of the NITI Aayog. We already have trained CM urban fellows who would be deputed to oversee the implementation of the schemes and help the directorate of urban local bodies in achieving the targets,” said a senior officer.The key pillars under the scheme are going to be urban infrastructure, social infrastructure, buildings of the ULBs, restoration of water bodies and construction of parks. While last time indicators were improved in Mohanlalganj, this time Bakshi Ka Talab Nagar Panchayat has been selected in Lucknow. Similarly, Golabazar in Gorakhpur, Bilari in Moradabad, Richa in Bareli, and Zaidpur in Barabanki are among the 100 ULBs selected this time.
