OREANDA-NEWS. Minister of Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Shri Venkaiah Naidu today urged the senior officials of both the Ministries to swing into action in the new year 2015. He addressed about 200 senior officers today and conveyed them new year greetings. 

Stating that sufficient time has been taken in the year 2014 conceptualising new initiatives like Smart Cities, Urban Renewal, Swachh Bharat Mission, Housing for All, Heritage City Development etc., Shri Naidu said that the new year should prove to be the ‘year of action’. He said, “extensive consultations will all the concerned stakeholders on all the new initiatives were undertaken like in no other ministry during the last seven months and with the clarity acquired, emphasis should now move on to action. 21st century belongs to cities and the expectations of the people have soared high after Shri Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister. Urban manages should rise to the occasion. All should be guided by the mantras of Skill, Scale and Speed as suggested by Prime Minister. Emphasis should be laid on transparency, accountability and honesty.”

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State Shri Babul Supriyo said that he was as passionate about his work in the two important ministries as he was about singing and would like to work as a bridge between the senior minister and officials. He stressed on the need for effective follow up action on decisions taken in various official meetings, seminars etc.