Parliamentary Standing Committee Flags Implementation Gaps in AMRUT Schemes

Wastewater management, a core component of AMRUT 2.0, remains particularly vulnerable. Despite the national push for 'Water Secure Cities,' the committee noted that the slow pace of project implementation in this sector undermines the broader goal of environmental sustainability and public health. The reliance on state-level agencies often bypasses the constitutional mandate of the 74th Amendment, which seeks to empower ULBs as institutions of self-governance. Without addressing the structural weaknesses in municipal governance—such as the lack of professionalized cadre and inadequate revenue mobilization—the ambitious targets of AMRUT 2.0 may remain elusive. For effective urban transformation, the committee suggests a shift toward capacity building for municipal functionaries and streamlining land acquisition processes through better inter-departmental coordination. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for the success of AMRUT but for the overall resilience of India’s rapidly urbanizing landscape. UPSC Relevance: This report is highly relevant for GS Paper II, specifically regarding the challenges of federalism and the devolution of powers to local bodies. Aspirants can use this as a case study in answers concerning urban governance, the implementation of government schemes, and the structural limitations of ULBs in India's development trajectory.