Centre urges states to promote 'citizen participation' in urban planning and development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu releases new urban and regional development planning guidelines Seeks attention to investment planning, local and area development planning States asked to create exclusive funds for city infrastructure development States also asked to enable building approvals in 30 days to promote ease of doing business

Seeking a paradigm shift in urban development planning, the central government has urged the states and urban local bodies to identify urban development needs and priorities through 'citizen participation' in decision making. This was the thrust of the new 'Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation Guidelines' released today by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu here today. These Guidelines were finalized and released after six months of consultations with states and other stakeholders by the Ministry of Urban Development and its Town and Country Planning Organisation.