Skilled jobs can power urban development

Panellists discussed how cities can boost employability and create enablers for migrant workers to remain invested at the Lucknow edition of IE Thinc: CITIES series, presented by The Indian Express with Omidyar Network India. The session was moderated by Udit Misra, Associate Editor

AMRITABHIJAT:At 22%, Uttar Pradesh's urban growth rate is below the national average of 35%. However, cities like Lucknow, Agra and Gorakhpur are growing rapidly, with 1,417 urban centres seeing growth at or above the national level.

Since 2014, investments from the central and state governments have exceeded ₹40,000 crore - six times the budget from before-with a 400% rise in state funding for urban development.

Key initiatives include the Swachh Bharat Mission,addressing legacywaste, door-to-doorwaste collection, and sanitation improvements. Notably, nine lakh toilets were constructed between 2019 and 2024, with 1.5 lakh built for Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Enhanced stormwater drainage systems, tree plantations and solid waste management plants combat environmental challenges and groundwater pollution.

Health and sanitation efforts have significantly reduced diseases like Japanese encephalitis in Gorakhpur.

Urban animal control is also a priority, with 85,000 stray dogs sterilised in Lucknow over five years. Programmes like the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme address water and sewerage needs, while digital initiatives like ICCCs (Integrated Command and Control Centres) use AI and IT systems to manage urban mobility, waste and security.