PRAGATI-50 Initiative – Objectives, Features and Significance

The PRAGATI-50 initiative is a new urban cleanliness programme launched by the Government of India to develop 50 clean and role-model cities across the country. The initiative focuses on improving urban sanitation through targeted action plans, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), technology-based monitoring and citizen participation.

Under this initiative, Guwahati has been selected among 50 cities across 24 states, giving Assam’s largest city an opportunity to strengthen waste management, cleanliness standards and urban governance.

For UPSC, APSC and other State PCS examinations, this initiative is important under Governance, Urbanisation, Environment and Sustainable Development topics. It connects with concepts such as the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, municipal governance and smart city management.

In this article, you will learn about the initiative, its objectives, features, significance and Guwahati’s role in the initiative.

Why Is PRAGATI-50 Initiative in the News?

• The initiative came into focus after the government selected 50 cities across 24 states for improving urban cleanliness standards.
• Among the selected cities, Guwahati has been included from Assam.
• It aims to help cities achieve better outcomes through targeted cleanliness action plans, improved waste management and use of technology for urban services.
• The selection of Guwahati highlights the growing importance of sustainable urban development in Northeast India.

What Is PRAGATI-50 Initiative?

The PRAGATI-50 initiative is an urban cleanliness programme that aims to develop selected cities into clean city models. It focuses on improving sanitation through data-driven monitoring, performance assessment and technology-based solutions. Moreover, the initiative encourages better municipal practices and active citizen participation. It selects cities with the potential to demonstrate improved cleanliness standards and inspire other urban areas across India.

What Are the Objectives of this Initiative?

The major objectives of the initiative include:

• Improve urban cleanliness: The initiative aims to improve sanitation standards and create cleaner urban spaces.
• Strengthen waste management: Moreover, it promotes efficient waste collection, segregation, processing and scientific disposal practices.
• Promote technology-based monitoring: The programme uses digital tools and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and improve cleanliness performance.
• Develop model cities: Furthermore, it focuses on creating 50 clean role-model cities that can set examples for effective urban management.
• Increase citizen participation: Finally, the initiative encourages citizens to participate actively in maintaining cleaner and sustainable cities.

How Is PRAGATI-50 Linked with Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0?

This initiative supports the broader goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 by improving urban cleanliness and sanitation systems. The initiative focuses on creating cleaner cities through measurable targets, better implementation and technology-based monitoring. Moreover, it aligns with key objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0, including garbage-free cities, sustainable solid waste management, wastewater management and behavioural change among citizens. Together, these programmes strengthen India’s approach towards sustainable urban development and better municipal governance.

Guwahati’s Role in PRAGATI-50 Initiative

Guwahati’s inclusion in this urban cleanliness and sanitation initiative is important for Assam and Northeast India. The city can improve waste management, public sanitation, cleanliness monitoring and urban services. Moreover, Guwahati’s rapid growth increases pressure on urban infrastructure. Therefore, this can support better urban planning, cleaner public spaces and sustainable development.

What Is the Significance of the PRAGATI-50 Initiative?

• Promotes sustainable cities: The initiative supports cleaner, healthier and more sustainable urban environments.
• Improves municipal performance: Moreover, performance-based monitoring encourages urban local bodies to improve service delivery.
• Supports SDGs: Furthermore, it supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
• Encourages innovation: Finally, technology-based monitoring can improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in urban management.

Conclusion

Therefore, this urban cleanliness initiative represents a step towards improving urban cleanliness through technology, performance monitoring and citizen participation. The inclusion of Guwahati provides Assam an opportunity to strengthen waste management and urban governance.

For UPSC and APSC aspirants, the initiative highlights important themes such as urbanisation, sustainable development, municipal governance and environmental management.

Mains Practice Question

Q. The PRAGATI-50 initiative seeks to improve urban cleanliness through technology, performance-based monitoring and citizen participation. Discuss its significance for sustainable urbanisation and municipal governance, with special reference to Guwahati.

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