Jaipur: The state govt signed an MoU with HUDCO Sunday to provide technical support to the Local Self Govt Department for project formulation, preparation of DPRs and to ensure optimal utilisation of financial resources for implementing projects under the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF).The central govt established UCF for inclusive development of urban areas across the country, covering roads, sewerage, drainage, solid waste management, street lighting, beautification and other basic infrastructure. Projects under UCF will be carried out in all urban local bodies across Rajasthan in the next five years with an estimate of Rs 15,800 crore.“The demand for basic amenities is constantly rising due to rapid urbanisation. Consequently, developing modern, high-quality urban infrastructure at four times the current pace is a priority for the state,” stated LSG minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, during the signing event at the Constitution Club, Jaipur.Kharra claimed that the UCF would play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. The MoU was exchanged between HUDCO regional head Sudhir Bhatnagar and LSG director Prateek Chandrashekhar Juikar.Officials stated that projects approved under the UCF would be monitored digitally through the Integrated Command and Control Centre.“A key feature of the UCF is that it enables the development of modern urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. “While the Union govt will cover 25 % of the total project cost, the state will bear another 25%. The remaining 50% of the project cost will be sourced through financial institutions, like HUDCO,” a senior LSG official stated.
