TFP Bureau, Raipur; July 16, 2024: Chhattisgarh has been selected for five national awards under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana—National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) for its exceptional efforts in empowering urban poor families and expanding livelihood opportunities across the state. The awards, named ‘SPARK-2023-24’, will be presented to the State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) and four urban bodies—Bilaspur, Raigarh, Champa, and Bhatapara—at a ceremony scheduled for July 18 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The event will be hosted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu conferring the honors.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development Shri Arun Sao extended his congratulations to SUDA and the awarded urban bodies, underscoring the achievement’s significance in elevating the state’s prestige. He expressed gratitude to the central government for recognizing Chhattisgarh’s impactful contributions in urban development initiatives. The awards highlight the state’s commitment to enhancing social mobility, institutional development, self-employment, skill training, support for urban street vendors, and shelter schemes for the urban homeless under the DAY-NULM.
Dr. Basvaraju S., Secretary of the Urban Administration Department, also commended SUDA and the selected urban bodies for their consistent dedication to socio-economic empowerment, particularly of women and youth. He emphasized that Chhattisgarh’s success in the mission reflects its proactive approach and effective implementation strategies.
Shri Shashank Pandey, Chief Executive Officer of SUDA, emphasized that these awards recognize Chhattisgarh’s outstanding achievements in improving the lives of urban poor families and enhancing their livelihood opportunities. Through initiatives like DAY-NULM and the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, the state has made significant strides in supporting its urban population, fostering economic sustainability, and promoting inclusive growth.
The recognition underscores Chhattisgarh’s pivotal role in national urban development efforts, setting a benchmark for effective implementation and impactful outcomes in the realm of urban livelihoods and social welfare.
