- The National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), the premier urban policy think tank under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), celebrated its Golden Jubilee at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking 50 years of contribution to India’s urban transformation.
- The celebrations, organised under the theme ‘Resilient Urban India @2047’, brought together more than 1,000 participants from across the country and abroad, including policymakers, urban planners, researchers, government officials, development partners and experts working in the urban sector.
- The event also witnessed the launch of the National Urban Learning Platform, which will serve as the urban arm of iGOT-Mission Karmayogi, strengthening capacity building and continuous learning for urban professionals across India.
NIUA: Five Decades of Urban Transformation
Established in 1976, the National Institute of Urban Affairs has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s urban development agenda.
Over the last 50 years, NIUA has contributed through:
- Policy research and advisory services
- Capacity-building initiatives
- Urban innovation and knowledge products
- Support for Smart Cities and sustainable development
- Research on urban governance and planning
- Collaboration with national and international institutions
The Golden Jubilee celebrations highlighted NIUA’s journey as a bridge between research, policy and practice.
Theme: Resilient Urban India @2047
The central theme of the celebrations, ‘Resilient Urban India @2047’, aligns with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of climate resilience in future urban development.
He said:
“As cities face growing climate-related stresses, future urban development must focus on proactive planning, nature-based solutions, green infrastructure and sustainable systems.”
His remarks highlighted the growing need for Indian cities to adapt to climate change while ensuring sustainable growth.
Urban Development Must Prioritise Resilience
Shri Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, stressed that India’s urban journey should focus not only on growth but also on resilience and adaptability.
He said:
“India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047 requires cities to be planned not only for growth, but also for resilience, sustainability and long-term adaptability.”
Similarly, Shri Satinder Pal Singh, Additional Secretary, MoHUA and Vice President of NIUA, underlined the need for stronger institutions and knowledge systems to tackle future urban challenges.
National Urban Learning Platform Launched
One of the major announcements at the event was the launch of the National Urban Learning Platform (NULP).
The platform has been designed as the urban component of iGOT-Mission Karmayogi, the Government of India’s flagship programme for capacity building of public servants.
The platform will:
- Provide integrated hybrid learning opportunities
- Offer technical courses for urban professionals
- Strengthen governance capacities in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
- Promote continuous learning and skill development
- Support evidence-based urban policymaking
The launch marks a significant step toward building future-ready urban institutions.
Key Publications Released
The Golden Jubilee celebrations also witnessed the release of several important publications.
1. Vision for a Resilient Urban India: Building Sustainable and Future-Ready Cities
The publication outlines strategies for:
- Climate-resilient urban planning
- Sustainable housing
- Green infrastructure
- Water security
- Urban mobility
- Future-ready city development
2. Understanding the New Geography of India’s Urbanisation
This report introduces a Modified DEGURBA Framework, aimed at improving:
- Settlement classification
- Urban governance
- Spatial planning
- Evidence-based policymaking
3. 50 Years of Shaping India’s Urban Transformation
A commemorative publication documenting NIUA’s contributions to:
- Research
- Policy support
- Innovation
- Capacity building
- Urban governance
Urban Renaissance Tech Programme Convocation
The celebrations also included the convocation ceremony of the Urban Renaissance Tech Programme.
A total of 127 students were awarded certificates after successfully completing the programme, which focuses on:
- Technology-led urban governance
- Urban innovation
- Digital tools for city management
- Data-driven policymaking
The programme aims to prepare a new generation of urban professionals capable of addressing emerging urban challenges.
Nine Technical Sessions on Urban Resilience
The event featured nine thematic sessions covering key dimensions of urban resilience and sustainable development.
The discussions focused on:
- Urban governance and institutional reforms
- Climate-responsive urban planning
- Housing and resilient built environments
- Livelihoods and urban resilience
- Circular economy and waste management
- Urban finance and climate finance
- Sustainable mobility systems
- Digital technologies and ESG principles
- Capacity building for Urban Local Bodies
Experts discussed innovative approaches to make Indian cities more sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
Supporting Viksit Bharat @2047
The Golden Jubilee celebrations reaffirmed NIUA’s commitment to supporting India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
As India urbanizes rapidly, institutions like NIUA will play a crucial role in:
- Building climate-resilient cities
- Strengthening urban governance
- Promoting sustainable development
- Enhancing institutional capacities
- Supporting evidence-based policymaking
Conclusion
The 50-year journey of NIUA reflects India’s evolving urban landscape and the growing importance of resilient, sustainable and inclusive cities.
With the launch of the National Urban Learning Platform and a renewed focus on climate resilience, innovation and governance, NIUA is poised to play an even greater role in shaping India’s urban future as the country moves toward Viksit Bharat @2047.