The Atal Shresth Shahar Yojna (ASSY) is the most important program developed by the Urban Development Department of Himachal Pradesh.
Atal Shresth Shahar Yojna Goals
ASSY’s main aim is to give an incentive to the urban local bodies to make better the city infrastructure and public services. The main objectives are as follows:
- Improving Sanitation: Teaching garbage management and clean city promotion to clean cities for healthier and cleaner cities.
- Enhancing Infrastructure: Building urban roads, drainage systems, and making public amenities for better human conditions.
- Efficient Fund Utilization: Satisfy a clear commitment from the government to the use of funds for urban projects.
- Encouraging Administrative Excellence: Recognition of efficient municipal governance and improved citizen services.
Award Categories & Cash Prizes
The most effective ULBs are recognized on December 25, the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, when they receive the rewards. The awards are distributed among three categories:
1. Municipal Corporations
1st Place: ₹1 crore
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2. Municipal Councils
1st Place: ₹1 crore
2nd Place: ₹75 lakh
3rd Place: ₹50 lakh
3. Nagar Panchayats
1st Place: ₹75 lakh
2nd Place: ₹50 lakh
3rd Place: ₹25 lakh
The main character in such a story is the amount of money that the ULBs receive in order to strengthen the infrastructure and urban governance in the city departments.
Eligibility Criteria for ULBs
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are evaluated on the basis of the following major performance indicators:
- Sanitation Standards: Through effective waste management and compliance with Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Infrastructure Development: Features like Road maintenance, water supply, and public transport facilities.
- Financial Management: Making sure that the funds are allocated and spent properly for various urban development projects.
- Administrative Performance: Working efficiently on public grievances, governing digitally, and planning urban.
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Step-by-Step Guide: How ULBs Can Apply for ASSY
Under the Atal Shresth Shahar Yojna, municipal corporations, councils, and panchayats can apply by following the steps explained below.
Self-Evaluation: The primary step is assessing the internal development efforts accomplished in the urban areas.
Documentation: Elaborate on the reports derived from sanitation, the building of infrastructure, utilization of funds, and various public services by providing an illustration or two.
Submission: Prepare and present the form along with the attainment statistics to the Urban Development Department of Himachal Pradesh.
Evaluation by Authorities: A government committee evaluates the schemes based on fixed criteria and distributes the proceeds to the best programs.
Final Selection & Award Ceremony: The awarding ceremonies are held usually on December 25 every year.
Success Stories: Best Performing ULBs in Himachal Pradesh
A Few Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from Himachal Pradesh have gained the top place in ASSY. The list includes several names of the previous year’s winners.
Nahan Municipal Council (2020) – Nahan Municipal Council which grabbed 1 crore rupees efficiently used by the officials to remove solid waste. Moreover, it also showed a substantial increase in its infrastructure with this announcement.
Kullu Municipal Council (2021) – Kullu Municipal Council received the first recognition for its remarkable administrative efficiency and digital governance, among other awards.
Impact of ASSY on Himachal Pradesh Urban Development
- Cleaner & Greener Cities: The plan has not only cut down the costs but also ensured the efficient working of it by the use of enhanced environment-friendly systems all over the city.
- Upgraded Infrastructure: The government has spent much of the money on new roads and drainage systems, primarily in overcrowded and poorest neighborhoods.
- Better Financial Transparency: The ULBs that use the method have to report to the Development Department their expenses so that they can monitor and verify the use of funds.
- Encouraging Healthy Competition: The program entails attempting to improve the standards of administration by competition and the disciplinary authority of the citizens’ representatives.
FAQs About Atal Shresth Shahar Yojna (ASSY)
1. Who can apply for the Atal Shresth Shahar Yojna?
Only Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats in Himachal Pradesh can apply.
2. How does the committee conduct the evaluation?
The Urban Development Department evaluates ULBs on the basis of sanitation, infrastructure, fund utilization, and governance.
3. When does the government announce the awards?
The government announces the winners every year on December 25, marking Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary.
4. What benefits do top-ranking ULBs receive?
Top-ranking ULBs will receive cash rewards of up to ₹1 crore, gain recognition, and receive additional financial support from the government.
