AI SummaryAtal Shresth Shahar Yojana is a state-level scheme of the Government of Himachal Pradesh that rewards the best performing Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for their work in sanitation, infrastructure and public service delivery. Running since 1st April 2018 under the Urban Development Department, the scheme gives cash prizes every year to top Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats for overall urban excellence.
The scheme picks the best performing ULBs on a mix of cleanliness, service, income and infrastructure indicators. Every year the government honours the top 1 Municipal Corporation, 3 Municipal Councils and 3 Nagar Panchayats with the Atal Shrestha Shahar Puruskar. The prize ceremony is usually held on 25th December, the birth anniversary of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, though the government can pick another date if needed.
Atal Shresth Shahar Yojana Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Atal Shresth Shahar Yojana |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Category | Utility and Sanitation |
| Benefit Type | Cash Prize |
| Nodal Department | Department of Urban Development |
| Open Date | 1 April 2018 |
Funds Set Aside for the Scheme
The state keeps a yearly budget for the prizes and the running of the scheme. The total allocation is around ₹540 lakh, which covers the prize money, the prize function, a third-party agency for field checks and an online platform with a five-year maintenance contract.
| Component | Total Allocation (in ₹ Lakh) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Prize Distribution | 500.00 | Every year requirement |
| A and OE Fund including Prize function | 10.00 | Based on actual yearly spending |
| Third Party Agency (TPA) | 15.00 | Based on quoted costs |
| Online Platform with 5-year AMC | 15.00 | One-time platform cost and yearly AMC |
| Total | 540.00 | - |
Benefits and Prize Money
Winning ULBs get cash prizes to support their development work. The prize structure is fixed for each type of urban body.
| Prize | Municipal Corporation (₹) | Municipal Council (₹) | Nagar Panchayat (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Prize | 1,25,00,000 | 1,00,00,000 | 75,00,000 |
| 2nd Prize | - | 75,00,000 | 50,00,000 |
| 3rd Prize | - | 50,00,000 | 25,00,000 |
If two cities score the same points, the prize money is split equally between them. There are clear rules for using the reward funds.
- The award is an un-tied grant, so the winning ULB can decide how to spend it for development.
- This money is kept out of the standard income calculations of the ULB.
- The funds cannot be used for salary or wage payments.
- A separate scheme can be made to reward employees for outstanding work, with a limit of ₹5,000 per person.
Eligibility
All Urban Local Bodies in Himachal Pradesh must take part in this scheme. There is no restriction on repeat winners, so a ULB that won last year can compete again. Making false claims leads to financial penalties and possible disciplinary action.
The ranking depends on a set of fixed parameters, each carrying a maximum score.
| Parameter | Indicator | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Swachh Survekshan | As fixed by central government | As per criteria |
| Public Service Delivery | Service indicators | 1500 |
| Increase in Income | Revenue growth | 2000 |
| Fund Use | Grant spending | 1500 |
| Public Infrastructure | Local assets | 500 |
| Audit Settlement | Account compliance | 1000 |
Application Process
STEP 1 - Submit the claims through the online portal by 30th September each year, along with the Annexure-A form. Refer to the guidelines for the full documentation list.
STEP 2 - The online platform generates a report, which internal authorities then review for field verification.
STEP 3 - A third-party agency carries out physical checks of the top performing ULBs and may ask for extra supporting documents to confirm the claims.
STEP 4 - The department gives extra time if minor clerical errors need to be fixed. The Director of Urban Development reviews the findings and sends recommendations to the Apex Committee, whose decision is final.
The yearly timeline runs as follows.
- 30th September: Submission of claims.
- 20th October: Completion of screening.
- 20th November: Third-party field assessment.
- 25th December: Prize distribution event.
Documents
Keep the following papers ready while applying.
- Use reports for funds given in the previous financial year.
- Beneficiary registration data under the Mukhya Mantri Shahri Ajeevika Guarantee Yojana.
- Records of income growth, including property tax, rent and user charges from the last financial year.
- Documents showing settled audit paras and validated, audited financial accounts.
References
Official Website | Guidelines 2022 | Notification 2020
FAQ's
What is Atal Shresth Shahar Yojana?
It is a state-level scheme that recognises and rewards excellent performance among Urban Local Bodies in Himachal Pradesh across key governance and sanitation indicators.
Who can take part in the scheme?
All Urban Local Bodies in the state must participate. Previous winners can also compete again.
How does the ranking system work?
Ranking depends on scores from the annual Swachh Survekshan and five state parameters, including financial management and public infrastructure.
How is the prize money given?
The state gives cash prizes in a tiered structure. In case of a score tie, the prize money is divided equally between the winning municipalities.
Can the award money be used for salaries or utility bills?
No, the funds are an un-tied grant and should not be used for office salaries, wages or regular utility bills. They should be used for development, though a part can reward outstanding individual employees.
Is there an appeals process?
The decision of the State Level Apex Committee is final and binding, so no further appeals are allowed after the final results.