Capacity Building Scheme for Urban Local Bodies (CBULB) in India

The Capacity Building Scheme for Urban Local Bodies (CBULB) is a critical initiative by the Indian Ministry of Urban Development. It is designed to strengthen urban local governments through comprehensive training and better financial management. As India continues its urbanization journey, skilled manpower and robust institutional frameworks are essential for effective urban governance. The CBULB scheme addresses key concerns by enhancing the capacity of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to implement projects and reforms.

Addressing Capacity Gaps

The scheme recognizes that ULBs in India face significant capacity challenges. These can be categorized as:

1. Lack of Skilled Personnel: There is a lack of trained personnel in areas such as socio-economic planning, environmental management, urban planning, and citizen participation. ULB staff often lack training in critical areas of financial management, e-governance, and municipal service delivery.

2. Inadequate Skills of Deployed Personnel: Many ULB functionaries have not received adequate training. Existing programs lack sufficient cross-learning and exposure to innovative technologies.

3. Lack of Institutional Framework: Current institutional arrangements are insufficient to meet the training needs of all ULBs, especially smaller ones.

4. Capacity Gaps at the Apex Level: There are also capacity gaps within core units of the Ministry of Urban Development, which need to be addressed to effectively support ULBs.

Strategies for Capacity Building

The scheme proposes a phased approach, emphasizing short-term and long-term strategies. Short-term strategies focus on consolidating existing training materials, identifying trainers, and conducting training programs for ULBs. Long-term strategies involve encouraging academic and professional institutions to introduce relevant courses, thus building a professional municipal cadre. Key elements of the strategy include:

• Optimal use of existing capacity-building initiatives.

• Private sector participation.

• A unified framework for various national and international initiatives.

• Emphasis on smaller urban areas.

• Demand-driven initiatives.

• Bottom-up assessment for training needs.

• Multi-tasking training for lower-level functionaries.

• Hands-on learning and exposure visits.

Coverage and Financial Support

CBULB is a Central Sector Scheme that provides 100% financial support to identified institutions, cities, and states. Financial support is provided for:

• Establishing centers of excellence.

• Addressing specific capacity gaps, including urban planning, socio-economic planning, project implementation, preparation of Detailed Project Reports, and municipal service delivery.

• Training of elected women representatives.

• Financial management and urban transport training.

• Assistance to states to access funds from the 13th Central Finance Commission.

• Activities under National Mission on Sustainable Habitat.

Implementation and Monitoring

A structured process is in place for the sanctioning and implementation of projects. A committee headed by a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development initially screens the proposals. The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, headed by the same Joint Secretary, oversees program implementation. The scheme prioritizes documentation, dissemination, and sharing best practices.

Key Initiatives Under CBULB

The scheme also highlights a number of key initiatives:

• Hubs and Networks: A schematic arrangement of regional hubs and network institutions

• Rapid Training Program (RTP) for slow performing cities, focusing on Governance & Reforms, and Project Management.

• Peer Experience and Reflective Learning (PEARL) Program for cross learning.

• UNDP-GOI initiative for capacity building in decentralized urban governance.

• Program Management Unit (PMU) at the State levels for strengthening capacity of State Level Nodal Agencies (SLNAs)

• Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at ULBs for enhancing implementation capabilities.

• World Bank assisted Capacity Building for Urban Development (CBUD) Project.

• PHE Training Programme for in-service engineers and para-engineering staff.

• Short-Term Course in Public Health Engineering for Diploma Engineers.

• Refresher Courses on various specializations.

Conclusion

The Capacity Building Scheme for Urban Local Bodies (CBULB) is an important step towards strengthening the urban governance framework in India. Through its diverse training programs and institutional support mechanisms, CBULB aims to bridge the capacity gap, empowering ULBs to be effective agents of urban development and ensuring delivery of key public services. The scheme’s focus on addressing the multiple levels of training needs and establishing centers of excellence demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and inclusive urban development.