Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation- An Overview

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation is a scheme launched by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This scheme is introduced for establishing infrastructure that ensures water supply and adequate robust sewage networks for urban transformation by implementing urban revival projects in the rural areas. 

This scheme revolves around providing basic services to households and builds convenience in cities. Taking this stride will help in maintaining an improved livelihood for all the individuals and especially for people living with reduced circumstances.

Layout

1.      Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation- An Overview

2.      Introduction

3.      Mission of the Scheme

4.      Objective of AMRUT

5.      The Purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

6.      Some Related Facts

7.      Reforms in Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

8.      Components of AMRUT

9.      Fiscal Incentives of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

10.  The Funding Pattern

11.  Latest Statistics and Facts

12.  Who can apply under this mission?

13.  In a Nutshell

The Mission of the Scheme

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation & Urban Transformation aims to focus on providing essential necessities to households. This initiative aims to improve the lifestyle of the needy and indigent.

Objective of AMRUT

• AMRUT focuses on providing basic services to people living with difficult and challenging conditions. 
• This mission has been launched to target very basic necessities missing from cities and towns.

The Purpose of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

The below-mentioned points explain the purpose of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):-

• To make sure that each household gets access to a sewage connection and tap water.
• To increase the amenity value of the cities by increasing greenery and building playgrounds, parks, etc., in society.
• To lessen pollution by switching to public transport like- buses, rickshaws, etc. 

Some Related Facts

• The result which the purpose of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation has on the citizens is valued by everyone (children, women, etc.). 
• The living standards and the indicators have been advised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)^[1]. These standards will be set in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).
• In addition to this, the scheme will not only be pursued till the improved outcomes of the supply of tap water and sewerage connection in each of the household, but it will be continued till achieving universal coverage of the basic necessities.
• The progress of these tasks will be tracked, and the successful outcome will be achieved gradually. The gradual progress of accomplishing a benchmark is referred to as “incrementalism”.
• Though achieving the Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs) is important; equal attention will be given to achieving the other potential benchmarks.
• The other benchmarks will be achieved step-by-step in accordance with the National Priorities.
• Concerned with the benchmark set for urban transport, the guidelines will be to lessen pollution in the cities by promoting travel using public transport.
• Additionally, the construction of stormwater drains will also be reduced, thus making cities stout.
• In the earlier phase, the MoHUA used to provide project project-by-project sanctions, but with the emergence of the AMRUT, this strategy has been replaced by the approval of the State Annual Action Plan.
• This approval has been granted on a yearly basis.
• By applying this strategy, AMRUT has constantly been achieving to make the states equal partners in planning and implementing the projects based on the guidelines.

Reforms in AMRUT

• A set of reforms has been made under this scheme which will activate the improvement immobilization of resources, service delivery and will also enable in making the functionaries more accountable and transparent.
• Also, the Capacity Building will authorize the municipal functionaries leading to the timely completion of all the projects.

Components of AMRUT

The components of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation are as stated:- 

1- Reform implementation

2- Supply of tap water in households

3- Stormwater drainage

4- Sewerage and Septage management

5- Development of parks and greenery

6- Urban transport

7- Capacity Building

Note: – Throughout the planning of the projects covered under AMRUT, the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will endeavour continuously to append some features in the physical infrastructure components.

The below-given infographic consists of some additional components of this mission.

Let us now understand each component in detail.

Water Supply

• The system of water supply includes- enlargement of existing water supply, universal metering, and water treatment plants.
• Treatment of water plants and reclamation of water supply systems.
• Recharging of groundwater and Rejuvenation of water bodies for the supply of clean drinking water.
• Arrangement of special water supply prepared for the remote areas, coastal cities and hilly areas, and areas suffering from the supply of quality water problems like- arsenic, fluoride, etc.

Development of Parks and Greenery

This section comprises developing parks for senior citizens, playgrounds for kids and children, and construction of parks with special provision for physically challenged people. 

Urban Transport

• Construction of Multi-level parking.
• Improved facilities for Non-motorized Transportation or Human-powered transportation. 
• It includes bicycling, walking, and other small-wheeled transports like skateboards, cycle rickshaws, etc.

Storm Water Drainage

Intending to obliterate and lessen flooding in cities, construction, maintenance, and improvement of stormwater drains and drains will be done. 

Sewerage

• Networked underground sewerage systems, Decentralized wastewater treatment systems, and enhancement of the sewage treatment plants and sewerage systems for the improvement of the cities. 
• Remediation of old sewerage system and water treatment plants.
• Re-using the water for beneficial uses and recycling of wastewater.

Fiscal Incentives of AMRUT

• Earlier, the total budget announced for AMRUT was ₹50,000 crore.
• This budget or the outlay announced was for five years. 
• It was from FY (2015-2016) to FY (2019-2020).
• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation is being operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

In the initial phase of this mission, it consisted of the following parts:-

Project Fund	MoUD Funds for Administrative & Office Expenses (A&OE)	State Funds for Administrative & Office Expenses (A&OE)	Incentive for Reforms
Out of the total budget announced for AMRUT, 80% of the annual budgetary allocation was made in the first year	This section was allotted with an annual budgetary allocation of 2%	Initially it was 8% of the annual budgetary allocation	The incentives for reforms were 10%

The Funding Pattern

Let us now understand the funding pattern for the selected Thrust Areas.

• For cities with a population of above 10 lakh, one-third of the project cost will be covered by the government of India.
• The balance funding will be taken care of either by the (ULBs) or, the State Governments.
• Private investment is also a source of funding for AMRUT.  
• Finances for towns/cities with a population up to 10 lakh will be granted as one-half of the budget. 

Note: – 

• The development of the parks and the playgrounds with special provision for senior citizens as-well-as children. 
• The one-half of the project cost will be funded by the government of India.
• In addition to this, the total expenses on these projects will not exceed 2.5% of the State Annual Action Plan (SAAP).

Latest Statistics and Facts

Along with all the detailed information concerning this mission, here are some additional stats and facts about the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.

These are as stated:-

1- Two localities have been shortlisted under this mission.

These two shortlisted areas are: –

• Thano
• Arhat Bazaar

2- Under the AMRUT mission, infrastructural development will be undertaken in an area of 415 hectares in Arhat Bazaar, followed by infrastructural development of 200 hectares in Thano.

Who can apply under this Mission?

All Towns and Cities with a population of over one lakh can apply under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.

In a Nutshell

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation is a mission launched by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The idea behind bringing this mission into existence is to provide basic services to people living with limited resources and reduced circumstances. By taking such a wonderful initiative, the government has been working continuously to change the image of underdeveloped towns and cities. This scheme revolves around providing clean drinking water to every household of the country along with granting sewerage connection. Working for the welfare and development of the country is the sole vision of Aatmnirbhar Sena. Our organization works to support, train, educate, nurture, and provide skill training to the kids, women, and the youth of society. We work with the aim of helping and supporting our people. Additionally, Aatmnirbhar Sena always promotes and propagates the schemes and plans launched by the government for the benefit of the country and its citizens.