Om Birla Inaugurates First National ULB Chairpersons’ Meet, Bats for Urban Democracy

In a landmark effort to strengthen India’s grassroots democratic institutions, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of States and Union Territories. The historic two-day conference, hosted at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT), IMT Manesar, has brought together municipal leaders, state representatives, and urban governance experts from across India to deliberate on the transformative role of ULBs in strengthening constitutional democracy and driving national development.

The event marks a significant step toward empowering ULBs as vibrant institutions of self-governance and effective public service delivery, aligning with India’s broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

Parliamentary Decorum as a Model for Local Bodies

Addressing the delegates, Shri Om Birla praised the increasing maturity of parliamentary functioning in India.

“Frequent disruptions, once common, have now reduced significantly in the Lok Sabha, leading to more productive debates and longer sessions, including late-night sittings. This reflects a growing democratic culture focused on dialogue, discipline, and delivery,” he noted.

He urged ULBs to emulate such practices by incorporating structured legislative procedures, such as:

• Regular council sittings

• Robust standing committee systems

• Dedicated Question Hour and Zero Hour formats

• Public consultation mechanisms

Shri Birla warned that short, ad-hoc, or irregular municipal sessions weaken local governance. He stressed that true democratic strength lies in structured debate, not in disruptions or symbolic protests.

ULBs: The Frontline of Governance

Calling ULBs the “closest tier of governance to the people,” Shri Birla emphasized that their effectiveness in managing civic services directly shapes citizens’ trust in democracy. He cited their roles in:

• Sanitation and sewage systems

• Road construction and urban infrastructure

• Pollution control and waste management

• Public health, education, and basic amenities

“The footprints of ULBs are etched in the lives of citizens. Their day-to-day actions determine the quality of life and signal the vitality of Indian democracy,” he said.

As urbanization accelerates—with over 600 million Indians projected to live in cities by 2030—ULBs must evolve from service providers to governance leaders, capable of policy formulation, long-term planning, and citizen-centric innovation.

Gurugram as a Model of Urban Transformation

Using Gurugram as a case in point, Shri Birla highlighted how the city evolved from a town with deep civilizational roots to a global innovation hub, driven by strategic coordination among governments and empowered local institutions. He cited this as an inspiration for other municipalities to blend heritage with modernity, growth with sustainability, and development with inclusive governance.

Five Key Focus Areas of the Conference

The conference is organized around five vital sub-themes:

1. Transparent Functioning of Municipal Councils

2. Inclusive Urban Development

3. Innovation in Urban Governance

4. Women’s Leadership in Local Government

5. Vision of Viksit Bharat @2047

Each session allows municipal leaders to share regional best practices, brainstorm on reform models, and contribute to building a nationwide framework for urban democratic excellence.

Women’s Empowerment in Urban Governance

Shri Birla commended the rising representation of women in ULBs, noting that in many urban bodies, women hold nearly 50% of leadership positions.

“Women leaders bring empathy, accountability, and a deep understanding of community needs. This is a transformative shift in India’s political landscape,” he said.

He advocated for greater investment in training, mentorship, and leadership development programs to support women councillors and mayors in assuming greater policy and administrative responsibilities.

ULBs as Catalysts for National Development

Stating that empowered local bodies can reinvigorate state assemblies and even national institutions, Shri Birla called for:

• Enhanced capacity-building programs

• Institutionalized knowledge sharing across cities

• Greater financial and administrative autonomy for ULBs

• Digital integration for better service delivery

“When municipal institutions are vibrant and accountable, national governance automatically becomes more responsive. The foundation of Viksit Bharat lies in the strength of its local institutions,” he said.

He urged delegates to treat the conference not merely as a formality, but as a democratic workshop for institutional learning, citizen engagement, and visionary planning.

Day Two Agenda and Valedictory Session

On July 4, 2025, the second day of the conference, participating chairpersons will present group reports and actionable recommendations based on deliberations. The Valedictory Session will be graced by Hon’ble Governor of Haryana Shri Bandaru Dattatraya and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Shri Harivansh, alongside other dignitaries.

Nationwide Participation and Democratic Spirit

The event has drawn municipal leaders and senior administrators from all States and Union Territories. Key figures present included Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh and Speaker of Haryana Vidhan Sabha Shri Harvinder Kalyan.

Their participation highlighted a national consensus on the need to modernize and strengthen ULBs, not only as service delivery agencies but as crucial pillars of India’s democratic architecture.

Shri Om Birla concluded by calling on ULBs to lead with vision, integrity, and innovation, stressing that local leaders are the real architects of India’s future cities.

“Let this be the beginning of a new era in urban governance—where municipal institutions not only manage cities but shape the democratic aspirations of a New India,” he declared.

As the two-day conference continues, it sets a new benchmark for local self-governance, urban democracy, and participatory development, reinforcing India’s stature as the Mother of Democracy.