Face2News/Chandigarh 

The Department of Local Government, Punjab, presented a comprehensive proposal to the 16th Finance Commission, seeking Rs 9,426.49 crore to enhance civic amenities in urban areas.

The department outlined specific funding for strengthening fire services (Rs 1,626 crore), Storm Water Disposal Systems (Rs 4,067.49 crore), Sewerage systems and STPs (Rs 3,133 crore), Sustainable Urban Transport (Rs 500 crore), and State Institute of Urban Affairs (Rs 100 crore)

The presentation, 'Augmenting Urban Infrastructure to Cater for Rapid Urbanisation,' highlighted the department's initiatives on progressive reforms, process improvements, and technology advancements.

The department also provided an overview of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Punjab, covering categorization and population distribution, Urbanization trends besides highlighting the Performance on key indicators including major revenue sources and growth.

Additionally, the department reported on the status of grants and notable projects executed under the 15th Finance Commission.

ACS Local Government DK Tiwari said that funding will be instrumental in transforming urban infrastructure in Punjab and the department looks forward to a positive response from the Finance Commission.

On the occasion, MLA Patiala Urban and former Mayor Ajitpal Singh Kohli, President Municipal Council Bhadaur Manish Kumar and President Municipal Council Mandi Gobindgarh Harpreet Singh Prince also shared their valueable inputs with the Finance Commission requesting to incorporate these while submitting their recommendations to GoI.