Govt's urban reset: Centre divides ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs into two specialised verticals

New Delhi has witnessed a significant structural transformation as the Centre has reorganized the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The government has divided the ministry into two specialized units: the Department of Capital Development and the Department of Urban Development. This major overhaul aims to accelerate infrastructure development and urban governance.

The administrative change was swift, with secretary Srinivas Katikithala transferring charge to D Thara, a fellow 1995-batch IAS officer, within 24 hours of the Gazette notification. Similarly, Satendra Singh, also a 1995-batch IAS officer, was appointed as secretary to lead the newly formed Department of Urban Development.

The restructuring extends to the operational leadership of the ministry's core urban schemes. Key personnel like Kuldeep Narayan, who was leading the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), and Roopa Mishra, who directed the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), have been reassigned. New directors are expected to take charge within the next fortnight to ensure smooth operations.

The primary focus of this realignment is the national capital, Delhi. The Centre aims to tackle the city's longstanding urban challenges by implementing a bifurcated strategy. The bifurcation of the ministry, combined with a BJP government in power in Delhi, will enhance the implementation of infrastructure projects, including the ambitious Central Vista project.