Empowering urban governance: Chief Minister advocates for self-reliant civic bodies 

K K Jha
Indore(Team Newsbuddy): In a significant move towards empowering urban local bodies, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized the necessity for municipalities to achieve financial self-reliance. Addressing the inaugural conference of the All India Council of Mayors’ Madhya Pradesh unit via video conferencing, Dr. Yadav highlighted that increased municipal revenues would enhance the implementation of governmental welfare schemes.

“Our urban bodies play a pivotal role in fortifying democracy. The state government is committed to supporting development initiatives based on the mayors’ insights,” he stated. Dr. Yadav lauded the Indore Municipal Corporation’s innovative approach of raising ₹244 crore through green bonds for a solar power plant, urging other municipalities to adopt similar models.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya called upon mayors to take decisive actions towards financial independence. He stressed the importance of transparent financial disclosures and the full recovery of dues through appropriate taxation.
The conference, presided over by Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, saw participation from mayors across the state. Discussions centered on strengthening urban bodies economically, augmenting the powers of elected representatives, and fostering better coordination with the state government.
During the event, mayors engaged in a tree-planting ceremony at Eurasia and Global Gardens and visited key city sites, including the Devguradia trenching ground and the iconic 56 Dukan market.
Key proposals deliberated upon in the conference included provision of adequate accommodation for mayors in Bhopal, explore innovative practices for efficient urban governance, enhance security measures for mayors, revise compensation grants and tax structures and promote alternative energy sources.