Himachal's Urban Development Minister bats for top-notch services for urban population, launches UPYOG for 69 ULBs
New Delhi, 26 September, 2024:
At the National Urban Convention 2024 in New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh made it clear—Himachal's urban areas are getting a major upgrade.
With only 10 percent of the state's population living in cities, the focus is now on transforming these urban centers into vibrant, well-planned hubs.
Singh, who was a Guest of Honour and Panelist at the convention organized by the Praja Foundation, spoke at length about the government's plans. A key highlight was the implementation of the Urban Platform for Delivery of Online Governance (UPYOG), a statewide initiative under the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM).
Singh announced that the platform would provide an integrated, one-stop solution for municipal public services for all 60 urban local bodies (ULBs) in Himachal, calling it a step towards “One State, One Portal.”
He stressed, "UPYOG will revolutionize how citizens access municipal services. Whether it's paying taxes, getting certificates, or accessing public information, everything will be streamlined, transparent, and available at your fingertips."
The Minister didn't stop there. He assured the gathering that Himachal would also study successful urban governance models from other states to ensure that the platform remains top-tier in terms of efficiency and service.
“We are not just building roads or buildings; we are building a robust digital infrastructure to serve the people better,” Singh remarked.
He also spoke on how the state is working on fast-tracking urbanization by building a strong road network and highlighted the need for international air connectivity and a stronger railway system to boost urban growth. Additionally, he took the opportunity to highlight the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government's green hydrogen initiatives, which are set to play a pivotal role in sustainable urban development.
The event saw participation from heavyweights like Kerala’s Local Self Government Minister M. B. Rajesh, and Jaya Prakash Narayan, Founder of the Foundation for Democratic Reforms, who also shared insights on bolstering municipal governance.
As Nitai Mehta, Founder of Praja Foundation, welcomed the panelists and laid out the objectives of the convention, Singh’s pitch for *UPYOG* and the state’s vision for urban development clearly stood out.
The platform promises to significantly improve the efficiency and accessibility of government services, cementing Himachal’s place on the digital urban governance map.
This move isn’t just about services—it's about setting a standard for how governments can evolve with the times, and Vikramaditya Singh is steering that change for Himachal Pradesh.
