Budget 2014: New scheme to replace JNNURM
The union budget for the year 2014 – 15 promises urban renewal, which will address issues pertaining to drinking water, use of recycled water, solid waste management and digital connectivity for more than 500 habitats.
Talks of replacing the existing JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission) scheme introduced by the UPA government was already doing the rounds. The MoUD (Ministry of Urban Development) is also preparing blueprints for the new scheme.
The new scheme is expected to renew more than 100 cities on the banks of River Ganga at a cost of over 1.75 lakh crores. The plan is set to be laid in discussion with all ministries to maintain uniformity. Ministries like Ganga rejuvenation and Tourism are expected to play major parts in renewing cities like Agra and Varanasi.
According to numerous sources, more investment will be made over intercity feeder buses to promote the commercial market of these cities. More than 15,000 buses are to be procured to serve this purpose. New scheme is expected not to be state specific rather states would be given grants on first come first served basis.
