Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is focusing on urban development and the energy sector as part of its efforts to achieve the target of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Urban Development and Energy Minister A.K. Sharma (IAS: 1988: GJ), reviewed the two departments at Sangam Auditorium in Lucknow and directed officials to prepare concrete action plans to strengthen the state’s economy through better utilisation of departmental schemes, development projects and available resources.
The review meeting covered municipal revenues, the timely completion of urban infrastructure projects, improvements in civic services, rooftop solar installations, bioenergy initiatives and investment opportunities in the energy sector.
Municipal Bodies Asked to Increase Revenue and Complete Projects on Time
During the review of the Urban Development Department, officials presented information indicating a continued increase in revenue generated by municipal corporations and other urban local bodies in Uttar Pradesh.
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The presentation also highlighted efforts to complete development projects within their stipulated timelines.
Sharma stressed the need to increase the revenue of urban local bodies while ensuring that development works are completed on schedule. He said these measures were important for expanding basic urban infrastructure and strengthening local economies.
UP Cities to Be Developed in Line with Global Standards
The minister called for studying the systems, operational practices and standards followed by developed and modern cities worldwide.
He directed officials to identify practices that could be adopted in Uttar Pradesh and prepare an action plan for their implementation to make the state’s cities more competitive at the global level.
Sharma also emphasised restructuring the e-Nagar Sewa scheme to meet current requirements and improve the effectiveness of urban services.
PM Surya Ghar Scheme and Bioenergy Initiatives Reviewed
During the review of the Energy Department, officials reported that the pace of rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana had doubled.
The meeting also discussed ongoing work in bioenergy and compressed biogas (CBG) in Uttar Pradesh. Officials further informed the minister that the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) generates revenue through electricity sales.
Sharma directed the department to assess its schemes and projects from an economic perspective, alongside their operational performance.
He asked officials to identify technical factors that might be preventing available resources from generating the expected value. The minister called for detailed examination of these issues and the introduction of necessary improvements to enhance efficiency and economic returns in the energy sector.
Energy Department Asked to Explore Investment Opportunities
Principal Secretary for Energy Ranveer Prasad emphasised the need to increase investment in the energy sector.
He called for expanding investment opportunities and accelerating efforts to broaden energy-related activities across Uttar Pradesh.
The review focused on examining how departmental resources and ongoing initiatives could be used more effectively while identifying opportunities to strengthen the economic contribution of urban development and energy projects.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both departments and related agencies, including:
- P. Guru Prasad (IAS: 1999: UP), Principal Secretary, Urban Development
- Ranveer Prasad (IAS: 2000: UP), Principal Secretary, Energy
- Nitish Kumar (IAS: 2010: UP), Managing Director, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited
- Praveen Lakshyakar (IAS: 2012: UP), Special Secretary
- Ravindra Kumar (IAS: 2014: UP), Director, Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA)
- Ritu Suhas (IAS: 2018: UP), Additional Director, Urban Local Bodies
The meeting reviewed ongoing initiatives and outlined priorities for improving urban services, strengthening municipal finances, assessing energy projects and exploring investment opportunities in support of Uttar Pradesh’s $1 trillion economy target.
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