National Urban Conclave 2026 Recommends Urban Reforms

The National Urban Conclave 2026 concluded in Bhubaneswar on 25 October after a two-day programme organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs with the Government of Odisha. The conclave’s theme was “Urban Rising – Rethinking Urban Systems, Solutions and Delivery”, and more than 1,200 participants from governments, urban local bodies, industry and academia attended.

Urban Governance and Planning

Seven technical sessions covered urban governance, integrated development, affordable housing and the “Right to Walk”. Recommendations called for greater devolution of powers and finances to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), alongside stronger institutional capacity and accountability. The conclave’s recommendations are intended to inform the next phase of urban reforms under the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The “Right to Walk” session recommended incorporating pedestrian rights into statutory plans, protecting pedestrian rights-of-way and improving ULB capacity and accountability. The conclave also addressed resilient and inclusive urban planning.

Municipal Finance and Urban Services

Initiatives launched at the conclave included a Used Water Marketplace under AMRUT 2.0 and an online Interactive Municipal Finance Data Hub. The conclave also formalised the development of 18 Street Food Hubs under PM SVANidhi. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal addressed affordable housing, circularity in construction and scientific remediation of legacy waste in his closing remarks. Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, called for reforms in urban governance, planning and municipal finance.

Water Reuse and Pedestrian Planning

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen technical cooperation on the circular use of treated used water. AMRUT 2.0 is a Government of India mission focused on urban infrastructure, including water supply and sewerage.

Important Facts for Exams

• The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added Part IXA to the Constitution, covering municipalities.
• The 12th Schedule lists 18 functions that may be entrusted to municipalities.
• Article 243Q provides for Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations.
• AMRUT stands for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.

Constitutional Framework for Municipalities

Part IXA of the Constitution covers municipalities through Articles 243P to 243ZG. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act came into force on 1 June 1993.