Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal launched PRAGATI-50 on Monday, a new initiative to develop 50 model cities across 24 states under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 framework. The programme aims to set national benchmarks in sanitation, waste management, water supply and citizen participation.

The minister said the initiative would create healthy competition among urban local bodies and produce replicable models for the rest of the country. Cities will be assessed on clear indicators covering cleanliness, solid and liquid waste management, and access to safe drinking water.

Officials said the 50 cities were chosen to represent diverse geographies and population sizes so that best practices can travel across states. The launch comes as the Centre sharpens its focus on urban governance outcomes and measurable service delivery in cities.

Urban experts point out that earlier rankings under Swachh Survekshan have already driven visible change in municipal performance. The ministry expects PRAGATI-50 to push local bodies further, with regular assessments and public results to keep cities accountable.