Haryana to host first-ever national conference of urban local bodies

Haryana Legislative Assembly Speaker Harvinder Kalyan today announced that the upcoming National Conference of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), scheduled for July 3 and 4 in Manesar, Gurugram, will mark a turning point in strengthening urban local governance across India.

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Addressing a press conference, Kalyan said the conference — being held for the first time in the country — aims to promote shared learning and alignment in governance across local institutions. "This national conference is a significant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘One Nation, One Legislature’," he said.

Kalyan explained that the conference will provide a platform for sharing best practices from all states and Union Territories, particularly in legislative drafting and financial management. “It will offer a valuable opportunity to learn the nuances of governance at the local level,” he noted.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will attend the inaugural session as the chief guest, while Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will be special guests. The closing session on July 4 will feature Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya as chief guests.

Kalyan also informed that after the conference concludes, participants will be taken on a tour of the Lok Sabha, offering them first-hand exposure to the national legislative framework.

He said, “Just as Parliament and state legislatures follow similar procedures, our Panchayati Raj, cooperative institutions and urban local bodies must also function in a unified manner. A roadmap is being prepared to increase the role and participation of ULBs in national development.”

Kalyan recalled that this commitment was reaffirmed at the All India Conference of presiding officers held earlier in Patna, where it was decided that such initiatives would continue to strengthen democratic institutions.

Calling it a proud moment for Haryana, he said, “It is a matter of pride for the Haryana Legislative Assembly to host this conference. Its success will not only strengthen ULBs but also highlight the functioning of the legislature and Haryana’s tradition of hospitality.”

He said large-scale preparations were in progress to ensure the event’s smooth conduct. Kalyan has been personally reviewing arrangements and holding regular meetings with senior officials from the Legislative Assembly Secretariat and the state government.

“We are working on detailed planning to make this conference a success. Similar conferences will also be held at the state level in the near future,” he added.