New Delhi: Odisha was adjudged the second best performing state under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) at the National Dissemination Workshop on Ease of Living Index held in New Delhi on Monday.
Andhra Pradesh has topped the list while Madhya Pradesh has captured the third slot. According to Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, the Ease of Living Index helps cities assess their liveability at the national and global levels.
He also stated that this index will promote a healthy competition among cities as they would be inclined towards an ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management.
A total of 116 cities (smart cities and ones having a population of over a million) were assessed on their infrastructure, governance, social life and economy parameters in June 2017.
“Another highlight of the Ease of Living assessment standards is its close linkage with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Of the 17 SDG goals, 8 goals are directly linked to India’s ease of living assessment framework with SDG 11,” the Minister added.