The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India extended the period of JNNURM by two more years for completion of ongoing projects or reforms.

   

It has further approved sanctioning of new projects upto March 31, 2014 as a transitional phase. JnNURM completed its normal tenure of 7 years on March 31, 2012.

   

This information was given by the Minister of Urban Development, Kamal Nath in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

   

The provision of basic amenities like water supply, sewerage, drainage and toilet facilities has not been able to keep pace in the cities with the increase in population due to rapid urbanization.

   

According to the 2011 Census, the urban population grew to 377 million showing average growth rate of 2.76 percent per annum during 2001-2011. The level of urbanisation in the country as a whole increased from 27.7 percent in 2001 to 31.1 percent in 2011 – an increase of 3.4 percentage points during 2001-2011, compared to an increase of 2.1 percentage points during 1991-2001.

   

The Ministry of Urban Development provides assistance to state governments for improvement of basic amenities in cities or towns.