India Hosts First National Conference of Urban Local Body Chairpersons in Gurugram

In a landmark initiative to empower urban governance and local leadership, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the first-ever National Conference of Chairpersons of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from States and Union Territories at the International Centre for Automotive Technology, Manesar, Gurugram, on July 3, 2025. The two-day conference aims to elevate the role of Urban Local Bodies in a rapidly urbanizing India and reinforce their importance in constitutional democracy and nation building.

Why in News?

The Government of India has organized the first national-level conference bringing together ULB chairpersons from across the country to Discuss urban challenges, Share governance models, Promote local innovation, and Highlight ULBs’ vital role in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Highlights of the Conference

• Theme: “Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building”

Dignitaries Present

• Lok Sabha Speaker: Shri Om Birla (Inauguration)
• Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs: Shri Manohar Lal
• Haryana Chief Minister: Shri Nayab Singh
• Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker: Shri Harvinder Kalyan
• Governor of Haryana: Shri Bandaru Dattatraya (Valedictory Address)
• Conference Dates: 3–4 July, 2025
• Venue: ICAT, Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana

Conference Objectives and Sub-Themes

The two-day event is designed to provide a national platform to ULB heads to engage in dialogue, innovation, and solution-building. Delegates will deliberate on five key sub-themes,

1. ULBs as Pillars of Democracy
2. ULBs and Inclusive Development
3. ULBs in Vision 2047
4. Women Empowerment through ULBs
5. ULBs as Innovation Hubs

Valedictory Session – July 4, 2025

• Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatraya, will deliver the valedictory address.
• Presentations by groups working on the five sub-themes will be showcased.
• A guided show-round of Prerna Sthal, Samvidhan Sadan, and Parliament House is planned for delegates.