AMRUT boosts urban life via essential services like water, and sewage; centred on aiding the underprivileged, with ₹50,000 crores allotted (2015-2020).
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In a virtual event on June 25, 2021, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) commemorated six years of the successful implementation of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Scheme. This milestone coincided with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, a vital autonomous entity under MoHUA aimed at bridging the gap between urban research and practical application.
As of June 2021, remarkable progress has been made under the AMRUT Scheme. A staggering 105 lakh household water tap connections and 78 lakh sewer/septage connections have been provided, significantly improving water and sanitation facilities for countless residents. Another significant achievement is the replacement of 88 lakh conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights. This switch has not only illuminated streets across the nation but also resulted in a commendable energy saving of 193 crore units.
The impact of the AMRUT Scheme extends to environmental gains as well. According to The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the scheme’s initiatives have collectively contributed to reducing the carbon footprint by a remarkable 84.6 lakh tons. This achievement underscores the scheme’s commitment to sustainable urban development.
The AMRUT Scheme’s journey has undoubtedly been marked by substantial accomplishments, directly improving the quality of life for urban dwellers and fostering a greener, more sustainable urban landscape. This celebration of milestones is not only a testament to the scheme’s effectiveness but also a reminder of the crucial role it plays in shaping India’s urban future.
AMRUT Scheme
AMRUT Scheme, or the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transportation, was formed in 2015. It is formed by the Government of India and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. AMRUT’s goal is to construct facilities in cities and provide families with essential services. These services are water supply, sewage, and urban transportation. It will enhance everyone’s quality of life, especially that of the underprivileged and the destitute. This programme is centrally financed. Over the five-year period from the financial year 2015–16 to 2019–20, a total of ₹50,000 crore has been allotted.
Key Highlights of AMRUT Scheme
Listed below are key features of the AMRUT scheme:
| Full Name | Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation |
| Initiation Year | June 2015 |
| Initiated by | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Ministry | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs |
What Are the Objectives of the AMRUT Scheme?
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) is a scheme launched by the Indian government in 2015. The objectives of the AMRUT scheme include:
Ensuring Basic Amenities: To ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.
Developing Green Spaces To increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g., parks).
Improving Urban Transport To reduce pollution, and accidents, and ensure seamless travel across cities.
Establishing Decentralised Governance To empower and strengthen local governing bodies to ensure efficient operations and service delivery.
Enhancing the Livability of Urban Areas Through infrastructural development to create a better quality of life for residents.
Promoting Urban Reforms
To drive reforms in the urban sector such as rationalisation of stamp duty and promotion of e-governance.
What Are the Features of AMRUT Mission?
Coverage – AMRUT aims at covering 500 cities that have a population of 100,000 or more as per the 2011 census.
Funding Mechanism – The funding is shared between the Central Government and State Governments. For the states in the North Eastern and Himalayan region, the ratio is 90:10, and for other states and union territories, it is 50:50.
Project-based Approach – Cities are encouraged to formulate detailed project reports for accessing central assistance.
Focus on Major Services – The primary focus is on water supply, sewage networks, septage management, stormwater drains, transport, and development of green spaces.
Reforms-driven Approach – The mission ties central assistance to urban reforms.
Capacity Building – The mission provides assistance for capacity building and training of urban local bodies.
Citizen Participation – There is a provision for involving citizens in the planning process.
Who can Apply for the Amrut Scheme?
The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) Scheme is targeted towards approximately 500 cities with populations exceeding one lakh. To be considered for selection under this initiative, cities and towns must fall within the following categories:
1: Population Criteria:
All cities and towns with populations of one lakh or more, as per the 2011 census, along with notified municipalities and civilian areas.
2: State Capitals and UT Capitals:
Capital cities or towns of States/Union Territories that do not meet the above criteria are eligible for consideration.
3: Heritage Cities:
Cities or towns classified as Heritage Cities under the HRIDAY Scheme by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
4: Riverside Population Centers:
Thirteen cities and towns located along the main stem of rivers, with populations ranging from over 75,000 to less than 1 lakh.
5: Special Locations:
Ten cities from hill states, islands, and tourist destinations, with the provision that only one city from each of these regions can be chosen for the AMRUT scheme.
Prospective applicants interested in the AMRUT Scheme should stay informed about the latest developments in Current Affairs, particularly regarding other government initiatives, as part of their preparation for UPSC 2024. This scheme’s diverse criteria reflect its commitment to improving urban infrastructure across a wide range of city types and settings.
Which Cities Are Eligible to Apply for AMRUT Scheme?
Eligible cities for AMRUT Yojana include:
- All cities and towns with a population of over 100,000 as per the 2011 census.
- All capital cities are not covered in the above criteria.
- Cities/towns classified as heritage cities by the Ministry of Urban Development.
- Thirteen cities and towns on the stem of the main rivers with a population of above 75,000 and less than 100,000.
Few States and Cities that are Covered under AMRUT Scheme:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Port Blair
Andhra Pradesh
- Adoni
- Amravati
- Anantapur
- Bhimavaram
- Chilakaluripet
- Chittoor
- Dharmavaram
- Eluru
- Gudivada
- Guntakal
- Guntur
- GVMC
- Hindupur
- Kadapa
- Kakinada
- Kavali
- Kurnool
- Machilipatnam
- Madanapalle
- Nandyal
- Narasaraopet
- Nellore
- Ongole
- Proddatur
- Rajahmundry
- Srikakulam
- Srikalahasti
- Tadepalligudem
- Tadpatri
- Tenali
- Tirupati
- Vijayawada
- Vizianagaram
Arunachal Pradesh
- Itanagar
Assam
- Dibrugarh
- Guwahati
- Nagaon
- Silchar
Bihar
- Arrah
- Aurangabad
- Bagaha
- Begusarai
- Bettiah
- Bhagalpur
- Biharsharif
- Bodhgaya
- Buxar
- Chapra
- Darbhanga
- Dehri
- Dinapur Nizamat
- Gaya
- Hajipur
- Jamalpur
- Jehanabad
- Katihar
- Kishanganj
- Motihari
- Munger
- Muzaffarpur
- Patna
- Purnia
- Saharsa
- Sasaram
- Siwan
Chandigarh
- Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh
- Ambikapur
- Bhilai Nagar
- Bilaspur
- Durg
- Jagdalpur
- Korba
- Raigarh
- Raipur
- Rajnandgaon
Dadar & Nagar Haveli
- Silvassa
- Daman & Diu
- Daman
Delhi
- East DMC
- N.D.M.C.
- North DMC
- South DMC
Goa
- Panaji
Gujarat
- Ahmadabad
- Amreli
- Anand
- Bharuch
- Bhavnagar
- Bhuj
- Botad
- Deesa
- Dwarka
- Gandhidham
- Gandhinagar
- Godhra
- Gondal
- Jamnagar
- Jetpur Navagadh
- Junagadh
- Kalol
- Mahesana
- Morvi
- Nadiad
- Navsari
- Palanpur
- Patan
- Porbandar
- Rajkot
- Surat
- Surendranagar Dudhrej
- Vadodara
- Valsad
- 30 Vapi
- 31 Veraval
Kerala
- Alappuzha
- Guruvayur
- Kannur
- Kochi
- Kollam
- Kozhikode
- Palakkad
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Thrissur
Himachal Pradesh
- Kullu
- Shimla
Jammu & Kashmir
- Anantnag
- Jammu
- Kargil
- Leh Ladakh
- Srinagar
Uttarakhand
- Dehradun
- Haldwani-cum-Kathgodam
- Hardwar
- Kashipur
- Nainital
- Roorkee
- Rudrapur
Tamil Nadu
- Alandur
- Ambattur
- Ambur
- Avadi
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Cuddalore
- Dindigul
- Erode
- Hosur
- Kancheepuram
- Karaikudi
- Kumbakonam
- Kurichi
- Madhavaram
- Madurai
- Nagapattinam
- Nagercoil
- Pallavaram
- Pudukkottai
- Rajapalayam
- Rameshwaram
- Salem
- Tambaram
- Thanjavur
- Thoothukudi
- Tiruchirappalli
- Tirunelveli
- Tiruppur
- Tiruvannamalai
- Tiruvottiyur
- Velankanni
- Vellore
Is There Any Application Procedure for AMRUT Scheme?
Yes, there is an application procedure for the AMRUT Yojana, which is primarily carried out by the urban local bodies (ULBs):
Preparation of Service Level Improvement Plan (SLIP)
ULBs have to prepare a SLIP based on an assessment of gaps in the availability of infrastructure and services.
Formulation of State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs)
States need to consolidate SLIPs of all the mission cities in the State Annual Action Plans.
Submission and Approval
SAAPs are then submitted to the Apex Committee of the Ministry of Urban Development for approval.
Project Implementation
Post-approval, the ULBs will be responsible for implementing the projects as per the approved plans.
Difference between the AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission
| Parameter | AMRUT | Smart Cities Mission |
| Primary Objective | Basic infrastructure development | Comprehensive urban development |
| Number of Cities | 500 cities | 100 cities |
| Funding | Central and State funding with a predetermined ratio | Central funding of Rs. 100 crore per city per year |
| Focus Area | Water, Sewerage, Transport, and Green spaces | Infrastructure, Governance, Economy, Mobility, and Sustainability |
| Implementation | Based on project reports from cities | Area-based and pan-city approach |
Mission Components of the AMRUT Scheme
Water Supply
- Augmentation and rehabilitation of existing water supply systems.
- Construction of new water supply systems.
- Promotion of water-saving and recycling.
Sewage
- Expansion of sewage networks.
- Treatment of sewage to reduce pollution of water bodies.
- Faecal sludge management.
Storm Water Drains
- Development of stormwater drainage systems to reduce flooding.
- Improvement in the carrying capacity of drains.
Urban Transport
- Development of non-motorised urban transport (walking and cycling paths).
- Improvement of public transportation services.
Green Spaces
- Development of parks and green spaces.
- Landscaping of open areas to enhance aesthetic appeal.
- Encouraging community participation in the maintenance of green spaces.
In summary, the AMRUT scheme is an ambitious mission that aims to transform urban living standards through the comprehensive development of basic urban infrastructure, focusing on improving water supply, and sewerage, and promoting green spaces and sustainable public transport.
FAQs
When did the Indian Government launch the AMRUT programme?
AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, for a period of 5 years.
What is the order of priorities of projects in case of water and sewage components under the scheme?
Under the AMRUT scheme, the order of priority for projects related to water and sewage components is: water supply projects, sewerage facilities, septage management, stormwater drains, and urban transport.
How many cities are covered under the AMRUT Scheme?
Under the AMRUT scheme, 500 cities are covered.
What is the full form of the AMRUT Scheme?
The full form of AMRUT is Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.
What are the highlights of the AMRUT Scheme till December 2019?
The milestones of the AMRUT Scheme up to December 2015 include reaching 46% of the target for water connections and attaining 28.3% of the sewerage connections objective for the span from June 2015 to December 2019.
What is the scheme of AMRUT?
The AMRUT scheme aims to enhance the living standards in urban regions by offering essential civic amenities, prioritising the underserved.
What is AMRUT 2.0 scheme for?
Introduced in October 2021, AMRUT 2.0 extends for 5 years, covering FY 2021-22 to 2025-26. Building upon the original AMRUT mission launched in June 2015, its goal is to ensure each household's access to water taps and sewer connections.
Which ministry is under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme?
The AMRUT 2.0 scheme operates under the guidance of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
How many cities are under the AMRUT scheme?
There are 500 cities and towns covered under the AMRUT scheme.
What are the components of the AMRUT Scheme?
The AMRUT comprises elements like enhancing capabilities, enacting reforms, managing water supply, sewerage, and septage, handling stormwater drainage, urban transportation, and creating green spaces.
