The Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has opted to engage a consulting firm to envision and execute citizen-centric initiatives, formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for departmental operations, and assist the Authority across various stages of project planning and monitoring.

The chosen consultancy firm is expected to deploy three teams, each comprising two resource persons. Two of these teams will lend support to the planning and project departments, while the third will collaborate directly with upper management?officers on special duty, additional CEOs, and the CEO?to oversee priority tasks and requirements from other departments.

The consulting arrangement is slated for two-year duration, with the prospect of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

The planning department plays a pivotal role in crafting a master plan spanning two decades, ensuring city development that is responsive to resident needs. This department aids other Authority units by delineating and developing site layouts, offering details on available plots and properties, reviewing and approving building plans, regulating construction activities, and conceptualising innovative city improvement ideas.

The consultancy firm is tasked with supporting the planning department in devising inventive, citizen-centric initiatives aligned with sustainability, environmental friendliness, walkability, mobility, liveability, economic-led development, and innovative city enhancement ideas. Additionally, it will assist in preparing and updating concept layout plans for upcoming and existing sectors, coordinating surveys, and managing specialist consultants or service providers for specific tasks.

The second team will collaborate with the project department, responsible for all development and maintenance activities in Greater Noida's notified area. Their focus includes supporting performance improvement, standardising documents and workflows, reviewing national best practices, and proposing interventions for enhanced performance and functional improvements. The team will also streamline the contracting process for major activities, from initial approval to project completion.

The third team will provide support to GNIDA's top management, monitoring and enhancing specific tasks for departments beyond planning and project requirements. This involves ensuring effective coordination with internal departments and external stakeholders, monitoring developed plots by the property department, and assisting in planning and managing public events such as fairs, festivals, and conferences.

According to officials, these teams are crucial for providing support to the Authority, which is currently grappling with a staff shortage. The initiative aims to address issues such as the absence of established SOPs for project implementation and addressing resident concerns, where projects are presently managed at the discretion of senior officials or department heads, leading to inadequate monitoring due to busy schedules and time constraints.