New Delhi, Dec 9 (UNI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $350-million policy-based loan to improve urban services in India, in support of the initiatives being undertaken under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 to accelerate universal coverage of piped water supply and improved sanitation.
The mission is being implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and is aimed at providing affordable housing to all, including the poor, urban migrant and industrial workers, under the flagship mission Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
The programme, which will benefit the urban poor, including other disadvantaged, economically weaker section and low-income groups is well in sync with the government’s broader agenda of transforming cities into economically vibrant and sustainable communities.
The loan is also a continuation of ADB’s long-term engagement with India to improve basic urban services delivery in various states.
“Efforts to improve urban water supply, sanitation, and affordable housing as well as performance-based fiscal transfer will help the country accelerate reforms in urban service delivery and COVID-19 recovery initiatives,” says ADB’s principal urban development specialist for South Asia Sanjay Joshi.
ADB will provide knowledge and advisory support to the Ministry in programme implementation, including monitoring, evaluation and help in selection of low-income states and urban local bodies to implement policy reforms.
The policy-based loan will also be directed at preparing investment plans, providing recommendations on cross-cutting issues like climate change, environmental and social safeguards assessment, and gender equality and social inclusion.
