Participated in a workshop organized by APUFIDC on the utilization of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) and resource mobilization for municipalities. The programme was attended along with HUDCO Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kulshrestha and focused on strengthening urban infrastructure and enhancing the financial capacity of urban local bodies.
During the workshop, it was clarified that the reports suggesting the privatization of municipal assets are completely baseless. It was explained that projects are being undertaken only through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and a transparent tender process with the objective of making municipalities financially stronger and more self-reliant.
The workshop highlighted that under the Urban Challenge Fund, 25 percent of the funding is provided as a Central Government grant, while the remaining 75 percent is the responsibility of the State Government. The Centre has allocated ₹3,600 crore to Andhra Pradesh under the scheme, while the state is required to mobilize ₹10,800 crore. HUDCO is extending financial support and cooperation to facilitate this resource mobilization.
It was further stated that infrastructure projects worth ₹20,000 crore are being implemented across municipalities in the state. Under the Urban Challenge Fund, projects valued at ₹2,200 crore have already been sanctioned, with Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada receiving approvals. Efforts are also underway to secure approvals and funding for the remaining projects worth ₹12,000 crore, aimed at accelerating urban development across Andhra Pradesh.
