The Municipal, Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) is a pivotal department under the Government of Manipur, entrusted with the administration, supervision, and development of urban areas within the state. The department plays a key role in managing the urban governance framework, fostering sustainable urban development, and ensuring the delivery of essential urban services across Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats, and Small-Town Committees (STCs) under the provisions of the Manipur Municipalities Act, 1994.
Core Mandates and Functions
MAHUD is primarily responsible for overseeing the functioning and operations of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and for implementing various state and centrally sponsored urban development schemes. The department ensures effective coordination among stakeholders and line departments to facilitate planned urban growth and improve the quality of life for the urban population. The core functions of the department include:
- Administrative control and supervision of ULBs for effective urban governance.
- Implementation of housing, sanitation, and infrastructure development schemes.
- Regulation of urban planning through statutory bodies and planning authorities.
- Strengthening of local self-governance and public participation in urban administration.
- Capacity building and institutional support for ULBs.
Implementation of Urban Development Schemes
MAHUD is the nodal department for implementing a broad spectrum of urban development programmes and missions, aimed at inclusive growth, infrastructure improvement, and poverty alleviation. These schemes include:
PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi)
The PM SVANidhi scheme, launched in June 2020, provides affordable loans to street vendors in Manipur to help revive livelihoods impacted by COVID-19.
- Smart Cities Mission (Imphal Smart City Project)
Dedicated to transforming Imphal into a citizen-friendly, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban centre through smart solutions in mobility, governance, waste management, and urban infrastructure. - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
Seeks to ensure basic urban services such as water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces in cities to improve the quality of life. - Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U)
Focuses on achieving universal sanitation coverage, elimination of open defecation, and efficient solid waste management. - Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Housing for All (Urban)
Targets provision of affordable housing to the urban poor, with a goal to ensure housing for all by 2022. - Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission (DAY-NULM)
Aims at reducing urban poverty by promoting self-employment and skill development among the urban poor. NAMASTE Scheme (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem)
The NAMASTE Scheme, launched in FY 2023–24, ensures the safety, dignity, and welfare of Sewer and Septic Tank Workers, and from FY 2024–25 also covers Waste Pickers.
These programmes are executed through statutory agencies such as:
- Urban Local Bodies (Imphal Municipal Corporation, Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats, STCs)
- Planning and Development Authorities (PDA)
- Manipur Urban Development Agency (MUDA)
- Line Departments like the Public Works Department (PWD), Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), and the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD).
Role in Urbanization and Sustainable Development
MAHUD plays a multi-dimensional role in the urban transformation of Manipur. It acts as a guiding and supervisory authority over ULBs to promote effective local self-governance and to ensure timely and efficient delivery of urban services. Its key urbanization-related responsibilities include:
- Strengthening democratic decentralization by empowering Urban Local Bodies through policy, technical, and financial support.
- Implementing urban poverty alleviation schemes and promoting inclusive development across small and medium towns.
- Supporting sustainable urban planning, including the development of green spaces, improved mobility systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Spearheading the transformation of Imphal into a modern, smart, and liveable capital city through coordinated urban renewal initiatives.
- Facilitating public participation, accountability, and transparency in urban governance.