Selective adoption of PPP model to be explored in urban governance

The State government will explore the scope of introducing the Public-Private Participation (PPP) model in a restricted manner in urban governance in selected areas, after the two-day Kerala Urban Conclave that concluded here threw up such a suggestion.

Briefing the media about the outcome of the conclave, Minister for Local Self-Government M.B. Rajesh said that the PPP model may be considered in areas where private players can facilitate service delivery in a competitive manner, help to increase the revenue of urban local bodies, and where people benefit from better service delivery.

Asked whether the PPP model would entail a user fee regime, he clarified that excessive user fees will not be levied and that it would be promoted only selectively. He said that the conclave threw up around 300 recommendations regarding the implementation of the urban policy.

The conclave recommended a professional cadre, which would be created by enlisting officials already in service, for making urban governance more efficient and professional. A model of participatory professionalism will be adopted by associating with academic and research institutes and utilising the expertise of retired professionals.

An authority for the coordination of waste management, without diluting the powers and responsibilities of urban local bodies, has been proposed in place of the multiple agencies involved now. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the government will conduct social auditing of all welfare and development activities of urban local bodies. Technology infusion has been recommended for improved participation in ward sabhas in urban local bodies.

Mr. Rajesh said that the Kerala Institute of Local Administration signed two Expressions of Interest (EoI)—with the Belgium-based United Nations University (UNU-CRIS) and with UN Habitat. The Centre’s nod is awaited for signing an MoU with UNU-CRIS that will open the way for the presence of UNU in Kerala for the first time, offering courses in the localisation of Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, etc., besides facilitating capacity building, decentralisation, training, etc. The EoI with UN Habitat was for the global outreach of the urban policy. A charter jointly prepared by KILA and UNICEF for facilitating a children and youth-friendly urban environment was released at the conclave.

He said that five economic hubs have been identified by the Kerala Urban Policy Commission. The Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam corridor will be developed as a knowledge hub, Ernakulam-Thrissur as a fintech education hub, Kozhikode-Malappuram as a literature hub, and Kannur-Kasargod as an education, health, and fashion hub.