Guntur Municipal Corporation Wins UNIDO GEM Award

Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) has won the 4th Gender Equality Mobilisation (GEM) Award presented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vienna. The recognition was given during the International Day of Women in Industry 2026 celebrations for GMC’s work in combining women’s empowerment with sustainable waste management.

Recognition for Women-Led Waste Management

The award was given for GMC’s initiative of deploying more than 200 women as electric auto drivers for door-to-door garbage collection. These women were earlier engaged in informal waste collection and were identified, trained and formally employed under the programme.

Supported Under UNIDO’s Sustainable Cities Project

The initiative is being implemented under the UNIDO-supported Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot (SCIAP). The project promotes zero-emission waste management by using electric vehicles while also creating green economy jobs for women in the urban sanitation sector.

International Honour in Vienna

The award was received on behalf of GMC by Sustainable Cities Project Manager and Industrial Development Officer Olga Rataj during the event in Vienna. Former Finnish President Tarja Halonen and senior UNIDO officials were present at the ceremony, highlighting the global importance of the initiative.

Important Facts for Exams

• UNIDO stands for United Nations Industrial Development Organization, a specialised UN agency promoting industrial development.
• GEM Award refers to Gender Equality Mobilisation Award recognising gender-inclusive development practices.
• SCIAP stands for Sustainable Cities Integrated Approach Pilot focused on sustainable urban systems.
• Electric vehicles in waste management help reduce urban emissions and support climate goals.

Additional Recognition for Property Tax Collection

GMC also received State-level appreciation for strong property tax collection during the 2025–26 financial year. The recognition was given during a workshop on Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 in Vijayawada, where officials praised the civic body for its administrative efficiency and urban governance performance.