Public participation in urban local bodies has to be made a mass movement: Kailash Vijayvargiya

Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya emphasized the critical importance of public participation in Urban Local Bodies, stating that it must be transformed into a mass movement. He said that India’s democratic structure comprises three tiers: the Lok Sabha, the Vidhan Sabha, and Urban Local Bodies. Among these, he said, Urban Local Bodies represent the most grassroots and impactful level of governance.

Sh Vijayvargiya made these remarks while addressing the National Conference of Urban Local Bodies held in Manesar, Gurugram on Friday. In his address, Sh Kailash Vijayvargiya shared his personal journey, stating that he began his public service as a councillor, later became a mayor, and eventually served in both the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha. 

Drawing from his experience, he said that Urban Local Bodies are the most direct link between governance and the public. While the work at this level is highly challenging, he said, it is also deeply fulfilling.

Speaking to public representatives from across the country, he recalled a time when the Indore Municipal Corporation faced a severe shortage of funds. In response, he appealed to the public to donate cement. The initiative received an overwhelming response, resulting in cement donations worth Rs 80 crore. 

This, in turn, enabled the construction of roads worth approximately Rs 300 crore, an exemplary model of public participation. He also shared a remarkable green initiative from Indore, where a target was set to plant 12.4 lakh saplings in a single day—a goal that was successfully achieved. 

Remarkably, even after a year, all the saplings have survived, reflecting the true success and sustained impact of community involvement. Sh Vijayvargiya highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, there has been an unprecedented increase in the budget for Urban Local Bodies since 2014, resulting in significant progress in the field of urban development.