UP govt revises SOP to boost financial autonomy of urban local bodies
Urban local bodies have also been instructed to maintain ward-wise road directories and conduct GIS mapping of existing infrastructure to aid in more efficient future planning
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Officials said the updated SOP is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at promoting decentralisation, improving transparency, and strengthening urban governance (Archive)The Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Department has revised the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining financial and administrative powers of urban local bodies (ULBs) in the state.
Under the new guidelines, Nagar Panchayats will now be empowered to independently sanction development projects up to Rs 1 crore, while municipal Councils can undertake projects worth up to Rs 2 crore. This marks a significant jump from the earlier limit of Rs 40 lakh set in the 2021 SOP.
Officials said the updated SOP is part of a broader set of reforms aimed at promoting decentralisation, improving transparency, and strengthening urban governance.
One of the key changes allows the use of interlocking tiles on roads up to 3.75 metres in width, an infrastructure upgrade that aligns with modern urban planning needs.
In addition to enhancing financial autonomy, the revised SOP has also introduced stronger accountability mechanisms. If a construction project is found to be substandard, 50% of the cost recovery will be borne by the contractor, while the remaining 50% will be recovered from the concerned engineers and administrative officials of the respective ULB. The district magistrate will oversee this recovery process.
Urban local bodies have also been instructed to maintain ward-wise road directories and conduct GIS mapping of existing infrastructure to aid in more efficient future planning.
“It is a step towards reforms and would improve the quality and effectiveness of urban governance and at the same time increase transparency. These revised SOP norms also aim to promote decentralization,” claimed Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary, Urban Development Department.
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