Toolkit for Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces

World Bank and NULP Collaborate on Gender-Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces Toolkit

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

World Bank has partnered with NULP for their flagship initiative, Toolkit for Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces. The partnership aims to address the critical issues of gender equality in urban environments. 

NULP will serve as the knowledge-sharing platform, facilitating the dissemination of valuable insights and expertise. This toolkit is designed to bridge the gaps between policymaking and programme implementation, focussing specifically on gender-responsive urban mobility and public space in India. This innovative collaboration holds immense promise for transforming urban spaces and fostering gender-responsive cities. By bringing together their expertise and resources, they strive to empower communities, enhance accessibility, and foster equality in urban mobility and public spaces.

Geospatial Technology for Governance Course

NULP Introduces 'Geo-spatial Technology for Governance'

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

NULP has launched a new course titled ‘Geo-spatial Technology for Governance’ developed by Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. (MPSeDC) in May 2023. This course has been developed in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation Ltd. Now available on the NULP platform, the course equips ULBs with the knowledge and skills required to harness the power of geospatial technologies in governance processes. 

By leveraging these tools effectively, ULBs can enhance their decision-making capabilities, engage with citizens more efficiently, and deliver improved services tailored to the specific needs of their communities. By providing access to cutting-edge knowledge and resources, NULP continues to play a vital role in facilitating the growth and development of urban communities nationwide.

Team Urban Living Lab

Inauguration of the Urban Living Lab

Presentation at the Urban Living Lab

Audience at the Urban Living Lab

Urban Living Lab Launched under T-CAP Project in Visakhapatnam

Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube)

Under the action research project titled Transformative Climate Action using Participatory data-driven decision-making platforms (T-CAP), C-Cube at the NIUA in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute of Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) participated and supported TERI for the ‘Launch of Urban Living Lab (ULL)’ in Visakhapatnam on 17 May 2023. The launch was in collaboration with the Greater Visakhapatanm Municipal Corporation (GVMC) and other local stakeholders with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Germany. 

Introducing ULL in Visakhapatnam will help in promoting collaborative action towards anticipated and existing climatic challenges by using real time data sets to enhance and connect various urban themes for development and planning. It brought together Visakhapatnam City Officials, Volunteer groups, Advocacy groups, Affected Groups, Business, Citizen welfare Associations, Academia, NGOs/CGOs, Start-ups, Institutions, and Solution providers to voice their opinion and explore data analytics, AI, digital solutions, technologies, and risk management strategies to bring about a systematic change for sustainable development towards climate actions.

The event was graced by Hon'ble Comissioner GVMC - C.M Saikanth Varma, and Hon'ble Mayor GVMC - Golgani Hari Venkata Kumari.

Audience at the Urban Climate Film Festival in Kolkata

Hitesh Vaidya addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony

Urban Climate Film Festival in Kolkata Showcases the Impact of Climate Change

City Investments To Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS)

After its success in Delhi and Mumbai, the 'Urban Climate Film Festival' was held in New Town, Kolkata. 16 films from 12 countries were screened from 3-5 June 2023 at Nazrul Tirtha, New Town to showcase the impact of climate change on life in cities. 

The film screenings were accompanied by a panel discussion on 4 June. The panelists, namely, Farha Khatun (documentary filmmaker), Dr Rajarshi Mitra (HoD, Environmental Science, Vivekananda College), Moumita De Das (Assistant Professor of Media Studies, Adamas University), and Anirban Datta (HoD, Direction and Screenplay Writing, Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute), discussed the role of films in strengthening the call for action against climate change. 

A special ceremony was organised to close the film festival as it coincided with World Environment Day. Didier Talpain (Consul General of France in Kolkata), Meghna Pal (CEO, NKGSCCL), Hitesh Vaidya (Director, NIUA) and environmental scientist Swati Nandi Chakraborty addressed the gathering at the event. A performance showcasing the cycle of seasons by classical Indian dancers from Kolkata was also held as part of the ceremony. 

A session in progress at the workshop for OSHB officials

TULIP interns who attended the learning session on waterbody rejuvenation

CITIIS Builds Capacities of State Officials in Odisha

City Investments To Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS)

CITIIS has partnered with the Government of Odisha to strengthen its municipal institutions and provide expertise to build the capacities of state officials. Two training workshops were held in June as part of this endeavour. The CITIIS team in Odisha provided Odisha State Housing Board with transversal expertise for the preparation of a DPR Toolkit for Real Estate Projects and a Procurement Toolkit to streamline and standardise procurement processes at OSHB. 

To orient the officials with the toolkits, a training workshop-cum-orientation session was organised on 21 June 2023 at Unnati Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. A one-day Interactive Learning Session was also conducted on 23 June 2023 for interns from The Urban Learning Internship Program (TULIP). Nearly 50 interns, along with Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA) coordinators and officials from the Water Rejuvenation Unit, H&UDD, came together to discuss ideas and challenges, made presentations on waterbodies, participated in team-building exercises, and undertook an exposure visit to Drain-10, NICCO Park.

Hitesh Vaidya with the participants at Assam Administrative State College

‘Making River-Sensitive Master Plans’ Training Workshop Organised

Water & Environment (W&E)

To expand the knowledge sharing and capacity building in Northeast India, the NIUA and the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of Assam, organised a two-day workshop in Guwahati on 'Making River-Sensitive Master Plans' on 20 – 30 May 2023. Over 50 planners from across the state attended the workshop. 

The key takeaways of the workshop included getting river-sensitive components prioritised for more than 50 draft master plans of towns in Assam; enhancing the river-connect with the people of Assam through regional festivals like ‘Basant Panchami Mela’; activating river edges for public access, and strengthening the livelihood potential of the Brahmaputra river through master plan instruments and decisions.

Group picture with the participants at Dr. R. S. Tolia Uttarakhand Academy of Administration

‘Managing Urban Rivers – From Planning to Practice’ Training Workshop Organised

Water & Environment (W&E)

NIUA and NMCG organszed a two-day training workshop on ‘Managing Urban Rivers – From Planning to Practice’ in Nainital, Uttarakhand on 15 -16 June 2023. The workshop brought together officials from 11-member cities of the River Cities Alliance (RCA) in the state. 

The participants delved into the intricacies of urban river management, focusing on the implementation of the innovative Urban River Management Plan (URMP) framework. 19 dedicated officials participated, who represented cities such as Nainital, Kashipur, Srinagar, Haridwar, Muni Ki Reti, Vikasnagar, Rishikesh, Haldwani-Kathgodam, Dehradun, Rudrapur, Ramnagar, and Bhawali.

Apurv Misal explaining how floral waste is used to make leather

‘Recycling Flower Waste Into Useful Products’ Webinar Organised

Water & Environment (W&E)

A webinar centred around the remarkable story of a start-up that is revolutionising the recycling of flower waste into useful products was held on 23 June 2023. Apurv Misal, Co-Founder and Head of Marketing and Sales at PHOOL was the distinguished speaker.

He shared the extraordinary possibilities that arise from recycling flower waste, and how it can bring about positive changes for both the environment and society.

Dignitaries at the Forum

Keynote Address by Asok G Kumar, IAS, Director-General, NMCG

Launch of 'Rapid Assessment of Water and Sanitation in Hill States' Report

Smt. Roopa Mishra, IAS, Joint Secretary-MoHUA being felicitated by Hitesh Vaidya, Director, NIUA

Welcome Remarks by Hitesh Vaidya, Director, NIUA

Dialogue on Parvat-Manthan: Forum on Clean and Sustainable Hill States Organised by NIUA & BORDA-South Asia

Sanitation Capacity Building Platform (SCBP)

NIUA and Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) - South Asia established Parvat-Manthan, a dedicated forum for the Manifestation of Clean and Sustainable Hill States. 

Building on previous consultation meetings in Leh, Ladakh, and Gangtok, Sikkim, a Dialogue for Clean and Sustainable Hill States was conducted on 19 June 2023, at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. During the dialogue, Asok G Kumar, Director-General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), appreciated the new Hill States forum,stressed the need for a standardised database and highlighted that sanitation involves engineering, sustainability, and public participation. Roopa Mishra, Joint Secretary-MoHUA, praised the Parvat-Manthan forum in her keynote address and emphasised the importance of meticulous planning and the compilation of best-case studies from capable practitioners. 

The 'Rapid Assessment of Water and Sanitation in Hill States' report was unveiled, accompanied by a short film. Approximately 200 individuals participated, including representatives from key government organisations such as MoHUA, NMCG, Niti Aayog, CPHEEO, and delegates from 12 states and union territories of the Indian Himalayan Region. State officials ranging from Secretaries to Chief Engineers actively engaged in the dialogue, along with international organisations, sector experts, academic institutions, and NGOs. Watch the complete session on NIUA's YouTube channel.

Research Story Report

Pioneering Innovative Solutions for Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanisation

Sanitation Capacity Building Platform (SCBP)

SCBP at NIUA provides innovative solutions to address the challenges of a fast-urbanising India, and pave the way for more inclusive and sustainable cities of the future. 

As a part of the ‘Inter-disciplinary Research in Urban Sanitation 2021 Programme’ initiative, a research study on 'Understanding Impact of the Informal Use of Untreated Wastewater and Faecal Sludge in Agriculture on Health and the Environment' was conducted by NIUA with the collaborative effort of Biome Environmental Solutions Private Limited, Ladakh Ecological Development Group (LEDeG), Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association South Asia (BORDA-SA) and, Molecular Solutions Care Health (MSCH) under the Training Module Review Committee (TMRC). 

The study was undertaken to: 

• Help address knowledge gaps 
• Deal with informal practices in the urban sanitation sector
• Focus on faecal sludge and wastewater management. 

Research report is available at the SCBP website. This study aligns seamlessly with the current priorities of National Missions such as SBM2.0 and AMRUT2.0.

Inaugral Session for the Technical Training Workshop on UPYOG

Technical Training on UPYOG Organised

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

The NUDM at NIUA with eGov Foundation organised an in-depth hands-on Technical Training Workshop on UPYOG from 6 - 9 June 2023 for State/UT officials and empanelled agencies at NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi.

Hackathon Launch

NUDM Hackathon 2023 Launched

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

The NUDM Hackathon 2023 was launched on 6 June 2023 by Kunal Kumar, JS and Mission Director, SCM and Hitesh Vaidya, Director, NIUA with eGov Foundation to generate fresh ideas from the ecosystem, develop new solutions and enhance the NUDM/UPYOG platform.

Meeting with Wadhwani Ai

Meeting with Wadhwani Ai

NIUA and Wadhwani AI to Explore AI in Urban Domain

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

Under NUDM, NIUA organised a meeting with Wadhwani AI on 5 June 2023 to explore opportunities to leverage AI in various domains of the urban sector. The AI use cases shall be built by leveraging the data available in the OBPAS, Grievance Redressal, Property Tax, National Dashboard and other UPYOG modules. Wadhwani AI team shall develop the algorithms that can be utilised by the administrators in the urban sector for effective citizen service delivery.

USSC Workshop

USSC Workshop Unfolds the Role of Digital Platforms in Good Governance and Decision-Making

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

Pankaj Sharma, Regional Lead, NIUA participated in the Urban Sustainability and Smart Cities (USSC) Workshop on 2 June 2023 emphasising the benefits of the National and State Dashboard, useful for monitoring and benchmarking the online delivery of urban services in the country, thereby improving decision-making.

Over 170+ officials and ULBs participated in the series of Best Practices for Online Delivery of Urban Services

Fourth session in the series of Best Practices on Online Delivery of Urban Services Organised

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

Over 170+ officials and ULBs participated in the fourth session in the series of Best Practices for Online Delivery of Urban Services organised on 31 May 2023 by NUDM-NIUA in association with Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC ) and eGov Foundation. The session was held on the topic ‘Implementation of NMAM compliant Municipal Accounting in the Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu’, providing insights into various financial and accounting reforms and digital initiatives taken up by the GCC over the years.

Himachal Pradesh MoU Signed

Odisha MoU Signed

NUDM signed MoU with Govt. of Odisha and Himachal Pradesh for Online Delivery of Urban Services

National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)

With an aim to enable online delivery of urban services and assisting citizens at large, NIUA signed a tripartite MoU with the Govt. of Odisha and Himachal Pradesh for NUDM implementation in the state.

The अRban Learnathon challenge

‘THE अRBAN LEARNATHON’ - Voting Process Culminates

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

The voting process for the ‘Urban Learnathon’ launched on the 13 March 2023 reached its culmination! Cities and states from across the nation participated. 

The final results of the voting process will be announced on NULP website. The winners will be invited to the national event hosted by the NULP,celebrating  knowledge, collaboration, and innovation within urban communities. The event will provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights from industry experts, and be part of the larger movement to transform urban education.

Safetipin and NULP Partner to Empower Urban Enthusiasts in Creating Safer and Inclusive PublicSpaces

Safetipin and NULP Partner to Empower Urban Enthusiasts in Creating Safer and Inclusive PublicSpaces

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

NULP has collaborated with Safetipin, a renowned social organisation working towards safer and women inclusive public places, to host courses for urban enthusiasts. This partnership aims to equip urban enthusiasts with the necessary tools and insights to promote safe and inclusive environments. 

NULP, in collaboration with its empanelled content agencies, will co-develop courses that cater to the diverse needs of urban enthusiasts. These courses will cover a range of topics related to safety, inclusivity, and urban mobility The knowledge and resources generated through this collaboration will be made readily available for consumption by individuals interested in driving positive change in their communities.

NULP Partners with MPSeDC for sourcing Learning Content

NULP Partners with MPSeDC to Source Learning Content and Foster Digital Transformation

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

NULP has associated with Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Corporation Ltd. (MPSeDC) to source learning contents for the platform. MPSeDC has been entrusted as the nodal agency for implementation of various IT projects of Government of India and Government of Madhya Pradesh and bring invaluable expertise to this partnership. Their projects include the Development of IT Parks, EMCs, Infrastructure Development for SWAN, SDC, PARICHAI, e-Office, Aadhaar etc. 

By associating with MPSeDC, NULP aims to enhance its offerings and provide a comprehensive range of learning resources. This partnership will enable NULP to access high-quality learning content, ensuring that the platform remains a valuable resource for officials seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in various domains.

Meeting between NIUA & TNIUS officials to discuss the collaboration

NULP and TNIUS Explore Collaboration for Capacity Building in Tamil Nadu's Urban Landscape

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

NULP initiated a dialogue with the Tamil Nadu Institute of Urban Studies (TNIUS) and the Directorate of Municipal Administration Chennai to explore potential collaboration in conducting trainings and courses for capacity building in Tamil Nadu. This significant step aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of municipal officials, fostering sustainable urban development across the state. 

NULP, in partnership with TNIUS, will curate a series of technical and refresher trainings tailored to the specific needs of officials. The outcomes of this collaboration holds immense potential for driving positive change and improving urban governance in Tamil Nadu.

Case Studies on Award-Winning E-Governance Solutions curated by NULP

NIUA Presents Case Studies on Award-Winning E-Governance Solutions

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

NIUA in partnership with Omidyar Network India and Treemouse has developed case studies that showcase the journey of award-winning e-governance solutions. With the intent to highlight the journey of e-governance solutions from conceptualisation to implementation, the course presents best practices adopted by ULBs in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh. 

The course focuses on the following key themes:

1. Building internal capacity to develop e-governance solutions
2. Designing for universal access coverage of e-governance solutions
3. Building scalable participatory citizen-centric approaches for e-governance solutions
4. Reimagining the role of incentives to enhance uptake of e-governance solutions

By showcasing real-world examples and lessons learned, this course offers a valuable opportunity for stakeholders, policymakers, and practitioners to gain insights into successful e-governance initiatives.

NULP Invites Second Cohort of Content Development Agencies

NULP Invites Second Cohort of Content Development Agencies

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

In response to the escalating demands for training content and digital capacity building, the NULP has initiated the process for the second cohort for empanelment of content development agencies. NIUA launched the Request for Empanelment for Content Development Agencies on 18 May 2023, with the bid submission deadline set for 15 June 2023. 

NULP has received a goodresponse, with a total of eleven proposals submitted by aspiring agencies. The next phase of the process involves a meticulous evaluation of the technical bids, ensuring that the agencies meet the requisite criteria and possess the necessary capabilities to deliver high-quality content. Following the evaluation, NULP will announce the results and proceed with the empanelment of selected agencies. By expanding its pool of trusted partners, NULP aims to cater to the diverse needs of learners and stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of its training and capacity-building initiatives.

Technology training on SUNBIRD

NULP Team Completes Intensive Sunbird Training

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

The NULP team attended an eight-day workshop on Sunbird technology organised by Tekdi Technologies Pvt Ltd (development team for NULP) in Pune and OPTIT Technologies (DevOps Team for NULP) in Bengaluru. This comprehensive training program played a vital role in facilitating knowledge transfer within the NULP ecosystem, empowering the development and DevOps process. The workshop covered a wide range of key areas essential to Sunbird, including Sunbird architecture, database management, front-end and back-end development, testing, and deployment strategies. 

Led by experienced developers and DevOps engineers, the training program consisted of immersive hands-on sessions, interactive workshops, and insightful discussions. This successful technology training on Sunbird, held from 5 to 12 June 2023, serves as a testament to the commitment of the NULP team in continuously enhancing their skills and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.

NULP meeting with Tech teams

NULP and Tech Teams Plan for NULP 3.0

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

A meeting was held on 21 June 2023 at NIUA for planning the next phase of NULP with Tekdi Technologies Pvt Ltd (development team for NULP) and OptiT Technologies (DevOps Team for NULP). During the meeting the team discussed about adopting a sprint plan approach to deliver the requirements of developing NULP 3.0 which includes features such as: discussion forums, dashboards, invite-only feature, conferencing tool, chatbot, payment gateway, voting tool, amongst others.

NULP 3.0 aims to enhance the platform's performance, scalability, and overall user experience, ultimately benefiting learners, stakeholders, and the urban development community.

Comprehensive training on UPYOG

Comprehensive training on UPYOG

NUDM Organises Online Assessment in the UPYOG Workshop

National Urban Learning Platform (NULP)

A Workshop was organised NUDMfrom 6 to 9 June 2023. The workshop aimed to provide orientation and training to industry professionals involved in delivering various citizen centric and e-governance services through the Urban Platform for deliverY of Online Governance (UPYOG). With the objective of equipping industry professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, the workshop delved into the intricacies of UPYOG's functionalities and best practices. 

As part of its commitment to continuous learning and professional development, the NULP played a vital role in facilitating the online assessment and certification process for all workshop participants. This certification not only recognises the participants' successful completion of the workshop but also serves as a valuable credential in their professional journey. By enhancing the skills of these professionals, UPYOG and NULP are working hand in hand to drive digital transformation and deliver efficient, transparent, and accessible services to citizens across the nation.

Urban 20 Manthan

E-Gov Special Issue

Panellists at the webinar

U20 India Climate Dialogue Series

U20

U20

The team organised and hosted the 7th U20 Manthan, focusing on the topic of ‘How cities are leveraging data to reduce carbon emissions and facilitate the transition to clean energy’. Distinguished panellists from the World Economic Forum, University of Birmingham's School of Chemical Engineering, NEC, and Oxford City Council participated in the webinar. Continuing their efforts, the team also organized and hosted the 8th U20 Manthan, which centred around the theme of ‘Equitable Planning Approaches to Achieve Environmentally Responsive Behavior at the Local Level’.

Esteemed panellists from UNEP, Pune Municipal Corporation, Jakarta Environmental Agency, and NIUA were featured in this webinar. Under the U20 Samvaad initiative, the team shared three insightful podcasts that aimed to promote environmentally responsible behaviors. The podcasts covered various topics such as waste management in cities with Wilma Rodrigues, enabling climate actions in cities with Kunal Kumar, and rooftop solar in urban areas with Harsha Kuntur. Additionally, a U20 India Climate Dialogue Series on operationalizing nature-based solutions in river cities was also included. The team also published the second edition of the e-Gov magazine's special issue.