What is the name of the flagship program that was launched in 2005 to address the lack of infrastructure in urban India?

The correct answer is Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission

Key Points

• The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM):-
  • It was a massive city-modernisation scheme launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Urban Development in 2005.
  • It aimed to improve cities' infrastructure and governance by making various services available to all urban residents, geared towards creating economically productive, efficient, equitable, and responsive cities.
  • The mission ended on 31 March 2014, and several components have been continued under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Smart Cities Mission.
• The JnNURM primarily covered two kinds of cities:
  • Cities/Urban Agglomerations (UA) with a population of 1 million or more (according to the 2001 census), and selected cities (mostly capitals).
  • Selected Tier-II cities, with emphasis on cities that have sanitation issues, and water supply problems, among other aspects of poor urban infrastructure.
• The mission attempted to make a noticeable impact with modern city governance and helping citizens get access to better civic infrastructure.
• However, it had its share of critics who pointed at issues such as slum evictions without proper rehabilitation, inefficient use of funds, and a top-down approach to urban planning.

Additional Information

•  National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM):
  • The NULM is a scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, in September 2013.
  • It aimed at reducing urban poverty by promoting diversified employment opportunities and enhancing the livelihoods of the urban poor. 
• Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns (IDSMT):
  • The IDSMT scheme was launched by the Government of India in 1979-80 to provide basic urban services and infrastructure in small and medium towns.
  • It aimed to promote economic activities, growth, balanced urban-rural connections, and improve the quality of life in towns so as to prevent further migration to large cities. 
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):
  • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015.
  • AMRUT is an urban transformation scheme with the objective of providing basic services (water supply, sewerage, urban transport) to households and improving the quality of life for all, especially the urban poor, in a sustainable manner.