Government Establishes New Departments within Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has been restructured to include two new departments, marking a historic change in its organizational structure.

Creation of Department of Capital Development and Urban Development

The government aounced the establishment of the Department of Capital Development, which will concentrate on initiatives in Delhi, and the Department of Urban Development for managing national schemes. This decision aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the Ministry.

Appointment of Secretaries for the New Departments

Following the restructuring, the Cabinet Secretariat released a gazette notification outlining the formation of the two departments. D Thara, a distinguished Gujarat cadre IAS officer who previously served as Additional Secretary in MoHUA, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Capital Development. Meanwhile, Satendra Singh, an accomplished Jharkhand cadre IAS officer and former Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, will lead the Department of Urban Development.

Key Responsibilities of the Departments

The Department of Urban Development will oversee various national initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, Urban Challenge Fund, PMSvanidhi, and AMRUT. Additionally, it will be responsible for matters relating to climate and climate adaptation, reflecting the government's commitment to sustainable urban development.

Reorganization and Removal of Subject

As part of the reorganization, the Ministry's jurisdiction has been modified, with the removal of the subject of "stationery and printing for the Government of India including official publications." This responsibility has been transferred to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, enabling a more focused approach within the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Future Outlook

The establishment of the new departments signifies a strategic step towards enhancing governance and administration within the Ministry. The move reflects the government's proactive approach towards addressing urban development challenges and ensuring effective implementation of key initiatives nationwide.