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Introduction to Urban Development & Housing Department (UDHD) Jharkhand

The Urban Development & Housing Department (UDHD), Government of Jharkhand, is a pivotal department responsible for planning, developing, and regulating urban areas across the state. Its core mission is to facilitate sustainable urban growth, ensure the provision of essential civic amenities, and improve the overall quality of life for urban citizens.

UDHD plays a crucial role in shaping Jharkhand's urban landscape by formulating policies, implementing various central and state-sponsored schemes, and overseeing the functioning of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to build modern, well-planned, and livable cities.

Mission & Vision:

To promote planned and sustainable urban development.
To ensure adequate housing for all urban residents.
To provide efficient and equitable basic civic infrastructure and services.
To empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for effective governance.

Key Functions and Responsibilities of UDHD

The UDHD is entrusted with a wide array of responsibilities vital for urban prosperity:

Urban Planning & Development: Formulation of Master Plans, Zonal Plans, and other development schemes for cities and towns.
Provision of Civic Amenities: Ensuring access to clean drinking water, effective sewerage systems, robust storm water drainage, well-maintained roads, and public spaces.
Housing: Implementing schemes and policies to provide affordable and adequate housing solutions for various income groups, especially the urban poor.
Slum Improvement & Redevelopment: Initiatives for improving living conditions in slums and facilitating their redevelopment into sustainable habitats.
Urban Governance: Supervising, supporting, and strengthening Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations, Councils, Nagar Panchayats).
Sanitation & Waste Management: Overseeing solid waste management, liquid waste management, and ensuring urban cleanliness under various missions.
Urban Transport: Planning and promoting efficient urban transportation systems.
Policy Formulation: Developing and revising urban development and housing policies in line with national guidelines and state-specific needs.

Major Schemes and Initiatives by UDHD Jharkhand

The department implements several flagship schemes aimed at holistic urban development:

1. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) - PMAY (U):

Objective: To provide affordable housing for all eligible urban households by 2022 (extended timeline).
Components:
- Beneficiary Led Construction (BLC): Financial assistance for individual house construction/enhancement.
- Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Financial support for housing projects developed by states/UTs in partnership with private/public sectors.
- In-Situ Slum Redevelopment (ISSR): Redevelopment of slums using land as a resource, in partnership with private developers.
- Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS): Interest subvention on housing loans for eligible beneficiaries.

2. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) - SBM (U):

Objective: To make urban India Open Defecation Free (ODF) and achieve scientific solid waste management.
Focus Areas: Construction of individual household toilets (IHHLs), community toilets (CTs), public toilets (PTs), and comprehensive solid waste management (collection, transportation, processing, disposal).

3. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT):

Objective: To ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured water supply and a sewerage connection, promote green spaces, and develop non-motorized transport.
Key Sectors: Water supply, sewerage & septage management, storm water drainage, urban transport, and green spaces & parks.

4. Smart Cities Mission (Ranchi Smart City):

Objective: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and application of 'Smart' Solutions.
Ranchi Smart City Corporation Ltd.: Driving the development of Ranchi as a Smart City with various projects focusing on e-governance, infrastructure, and citizen services.

5. National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM):

Objective: To reduce poverty and vulnerability of the urban poor households by enabling them to access gainful self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities.
Focus: Skill development, self-employment groups, vendor rehabilitation.

6. Jharkhand State Housing Board:

Plays a crucial role in providing housing solutions and developing residential colonies across the state.

Online Citizen Services & Process

The UDHD and its associated bodies have digitized several services for convenience:

1. Online Property / Holding Tax Payment:

Citizens can conveniently pay their municipal property tax online.

Official Portal: Jharkhand Municipal Services Portal

Visit the Portal: Go to the Jharkhand Municipal Services Portal.
Select Service: Choose "Pay Property Tax" or navigate to the "Holding Tax" section.
Select ULB & Ward: Select your Urban Local Body (Municipal Corporation/Council/Nagar Panchayat) and Ward Number.
Enter Holding Number: Input your unique 15-digit holding number (property ID).
View Dues & Pay: Your property details and outstanding tax will be displayed. Proceed to pay online using various payment options (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI).
Download Receipt: Save or print the official payment receipt.

2. Online Building Plan Approval:

The department has implemented an online system for efficient approval of building plans.

System: e-Municipal online building plan approval system.

Access Portal: Look for the online building plan approval link on the UDHD website or your respective ULB's portal.
Register/Login: Architects/applicants need to register and log in.
Submit Application: Fill in the online application form with building details, proposed plans, and owner information.
Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of all required documents (property documents, architect drawings, NOCs etc.).
Automated Scrutiny: The system conducts automated scrutiny of building plans against bylaws.
Fee Payment: Pay the processing fees online.
Track Status: Track the application status online.
Approval/Sanction: Once approved, download the sanctioned building plan and certificate.

3. Other Services (Brief Mention):

Trade License: Businesses operating within ULB limits are required to obtain a trade license, which can often be applied for through municipal portals.
Water & Sewerage Services: Managed by respective ULBs and supported by agencies like Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (JUIDCO).

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Jharkhand

Urban Local Bodies are local self-governing institutions responsible for the administration of urban areas. In Jharkhand, these include:

Municipal Corporations (Nagar Nigam): For larger cities (e.g., Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad).
Municipal Councils (Nagar Parishad): For medium-sized towns.
Nagar Panchayats: For transitional areas or smaller towns.

These ULBs work under the overall guidance of UDHD to deliver civic services and implement urban development projects at the local level.

Important Notes & Official Links

Policy Updates: Urban development policies and scheme guidelines are regularly updated. Always refer to the latest notifications on official government websites.
Document Accuracy: Ensure all information and documents submitted for online services are accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
Seeking Assistance: For complex procedures or specific queries, contact the helpdesks provided on the official portals or visit the nearest ULB office.

Key Official Portals:

Urban Development & Housing Department (UDHD) Jharkhand: https://udhd.jharkhand.gov.in/
Jharkhand Municipal Services Portal (for Property Tax & other ULB services): https://suda.jharkhand.gov.in/jharkhandmunicipal/citizen/
Jharkhand Urban Infrastructure Development Company (JUIDCO): https://juidco.jharkhand.gov.in/
Official Jharkhand Government Portal: https://www.jharkhand.gov.in/Home

For the most accurate and current procedures, eligibility criteria, and application forms, always consult the official portals of the Urban Development & Housing Department and the Government of Jharkhand.