Ministry Pushes for Planned Peri-Urban Growth Before 16th Finance Panel
Real Estate

Ministry Pushes for Planned Peri-Urban Growth Before 16th Finance Panel

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is expected to propose a focus on the planned development of peri-urban areas to tap into Sixteenth Finance Commission grants. This move aims to discourage haphazard growth and illegal constructions in the outskirts of cities.

To shape its recommendations, the ministry has formed sub-groups to address key areas such as political intervention, administrative reforms, and financial resources. The recommendations will be submitted to the commission, which was formed on December 31, 2023, and is chaired by former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya. The commission's final report is expected by October 2025, and its recommendations will cover the period from 2026-27 to 2031-32.

The ministry’s focus on peri-urban areas marks a shift from the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s focus on urban reforms in larger cities. "We want to incentivise states to plan urbanisation in peri-urban areas, preventing organic, unstructured growth," a senior official stated.

The Five-member Finance Commission is also expected to recommend strategies for enhancing the revenue of urban local bodies, which will be critical in ensuring sustainable urban development. The Fifteenth Finance Commission had allocated ?1.21 lakh crore for urban bodies between 2021 and 2026, with different grant categories based on city population.

As the ministry looks toward involving planning bodies more effectively, reforms to break down top-heavy state structures will likely be crucial. By incentivising change, officials believe these bodies will be better equipped to address the complexities of urbanisation.

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is expected to propose a focus on the planned development of peri-urban areas to tap into Sixteenth Finance Commission grants. This move aims to discourage haphazard growth and illegal constructions in the outskirts of cities. To shape its recommendations, the ministry has formed sub-groups to address key areas such as political intervention, administrative reforms, and financial resources. The recommendations will be submitted to the commission, which was formed on December 31, 2023, and is chaired by former Niti Aayog vice chairman Arvind Panagariya. The commission's final report is expected by October 2025, and its recommendations will cover the period from 2026-27 to 2031-32. The ministry’s focus on peri-urban areas marks a shift from the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s focus on urban reforms in larger cities. We want to incentivise states to plan urbanisation in peri-urban areas, preventing organic, unstructured growth, a senior official stated. The Five-member Finance Commission is also expected to recommend strategies for enhancing the revenue of urban local bodies, which will be critical in ensuring sustainable urban development. The Fifteenth Finance Commission had allocated ?1.21 lakh crore for urban bodies between 2021 and 2026, with different grant categories based on city population. As the ministry looks toward involving planning bodies more effectively, reforms to break down top-heavy state structures will likely be crucial. By incentivising change, officials believe these bodies will be better equipped to address the complexities of urbanisation.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Greaves Electric Mobility Files for IPO

Electric-vehicle manufacturer Greaves Electric Mobility has announced plans to raise Rs 10 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), as stated in its draft papers filed. The company, recognised for its 'Ampere' brand of electric scooters, also produces three-wheelers under a separate brand. Greaves Electric’s major shareholders, Greaves Cotton—a publicly listed entity—and investment firm Abdul Latif Jameel Green Mobility Solutions, will collectively sell approximately 189.4 million shares through the IPO. This move positions Greaves Electric alongside larger competitor Ather En..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IREDA Approves Rs 30 Billion for Odisha's Renewable Energy Projects

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has approved funding exceeding Rs 30 billion for renewable energy projects in Odisha as the state strives to achieve its goal of 10 GW capacity by 2030. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, shared this update during the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave organised by GRIDCO. He emphasised that accessible financing is crucial to fostering the adoption of renewable energy. Das outlined IREDA's significant contributions to funding renewable energy projects in Odisha, spanning sectors such as solar, hydro, ethanol, and renewable..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Oil Prices Rise Amid Light Pre-Christmas Trading

Oil prices edged higher during light trading ahead of the Christmas Day holiday. The increase was attributed to positive US economic data and growing oil demand in India, the third-largest importer of oil globally. Brent crude futures rose by 33 cents, or 0.45 per cent, to reach $72.95 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.42 per cent, settling at $69.53 per barrel as of 0114 GMT. Economic indicators in the United States highlighted a surge in new orders for key manufactured capital goods in November, driven by robust demand for machinery. Add..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000