The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has undergone a significant restructuring, now functioning through two separate departments: the Department of Capital Development (DCD/Rajdhani Vikas Vibhag) and the Department of Urban Development (DUD/Shahari Vikas Vibhag). This restructuring was announced by Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal during the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting focused on urban planning, with the objective of strengthening institutional capacity, improving administrative efficiency, and enhancing urban governance to better address the diverse needs of urban India.
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal emphasized that the Ministry's urban planning initiatives are guided by the objective of creating liveable, resilient, and citizen-centric cities. He highlighted that effective urban planning, robust urban governance, water security, and continuous capacity building are essential for meeting the aspirations of India's rapidly urbanizing population and ensuring balanced urban growth. The Ministry is adopting a holistic approach that integrates planning, infrastructure, governance, and service delivery to improve citizens' quality of life while building environmentally sustainable, economically vibrant, and technologically enabled cities.
Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu reaffirmed the commitment to PM Shri Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, stating that the Ministry is working to promote planned, sustainable, and future-ready urban development across the country. The meeting included a detailed presentation by Secretary Ms. D. Thara on the Ministry's urban planning initiatives and roadmap for sustainable urban development. Members of Parliament shared their views and suggestions on various aspects of urban planning and governance, with the Union Minister welcoming their inputs and assuring appropriate follow-up action to strengthen the Ministry's urban sector initiatives.