PM wants reforms in Mumbai's urban governance

Mumbai, Jun 21: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today called for reforms in the urban governance here he describing as the city as ''caring and efficient''.

Speaking after inaugurating the prestigious Mumbai Metro project, Dr Singh said a humane strategy to deal with urban poverty, homelessness and squalor in Mumbai was neccessary. Basic amenities have to be provided in slums and ensure modicum of urban governance in these areas, added.

''Mumbai has had an active municipal corporation for a long time.

However, even here, there is need for reforms in municipal administration. People need better governance,a more responsive and transparent urban administration. Municipal administration should be freed from the cancer of corruption and stranglehold of land mafias'', he said.

The Prime Minister said new innovative mechanisms must be explored to raise resources for efficient and equitable financing of municipal public services in the state.

New technologies must be put in place for management and disposal of urban waste. Every citizen must feel that their municipality belongs to them, he added.'

UNI