URBAN GOVERNANCE AND VISION VIKSIT BHARAT 2047

India's path towards realizing its vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is centered on the vitality of its urban areas, which serve as hubs of prosperity, innovation, and inclusive growth. Currently home to nearly 500 million people, urban India is expected to swell to over 875 million by mid-century, significantly influencing the country's economic and social progression. With cities anticipated to contribute over 70% of India's GDP by 2030, the effectiveness of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in planning, managing, and delivering services is crucial to India's developmental success. These ULBs are pivotal in providing essential urban services, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Achieving this objective requires bolstering institutional capacity, investing in skilled human resources, and implementing modern governance systems across all administrative levels. Since 1950, India's population has surged to 1.35 billion, with the urban populace expected to double from 429 million in 2015 to 876 million by 2050. The country hosts 53 metropolitan agglomerations housing 140 million urban residents and boasts a growing number of Census towns, now totaling 7,935. Urban areas account for more than 60% of India's GDP. Moreover, an estimated 180 million rural individuals reside near the nation's 70 largest urban centers, a figure projected to rise to about 210 million by 2030.