G.O. (Ms) No.71, Implementation of Namakku Naame Thittam (Urban) Guidelines, 2021

What the guidelines govern

The Municipal Administration and Water Supply (NS) Department guidelines introduce Namakku Naame Thittam (Urban) from 2021-22 onwards. The scheme encourages individuals, resident welfare associations, institutions, companies and communities to contribute towards creating and maintaining civic infrastructure in urban local bodies.

The minimum public contribution is generally one third of the estimated value of a work. For renovation of water bodies, the minimum contribution is 50 per cent for desilting and bund formation, while pathways, retaining walls, lights and benches require at least one third. There is no upper limit on public contributions.

How a work is proposed

An individual, group, institution, company or community may submit an application identifying the proposed work and consenting to contribute at least one third of its estimated amount. Applications must be given to the relevant Corporation or Municipality Commissioner, or to the Executive Officer of the Town Panchayat.

The Commissioner or Executive Officer will assess the need and feasibility, obtain a detailed estimate from the implementing agency and then require the applicant to deposit the prescribed contribution. Local body funds and grants cannot be treated as public contributions. Contributions from industries, companies and other entities, including eligible corporate social responsibility contributions, may be accepted.

Permissions from other departments must be obtained before administrative sanction where required. If another department will maintain the completed asset, its concurrence is also required. When demand exceeds available support, works giving greater community benefit receive priority.

Permitted and prohibited works

Suggested works include:

• Renovating water bodies, parks, playgrounds and community assets.
• Streetlights, solar high mast lights, CCTV cameras and tree planting.
• School, college, hospital and Urban Primary Health Centre buildings.
• Libraries, knowledge centres, roads, bridges, drains and culverts.
• Markets, shopping complexes, public toilets and crematoria.
• Computers, furniture and accessories for specified public institutions, but not used computers or accessories.

The scheme excludes government office and residential buildings, works in government-aided or self-financing schools and colleges, and most movable items, equipment and furniture. Listed exceptions cover specified educational institutions, libraries, knowledge centres, hospitals and primary health centres.

Rights over completed assets

A contributor cannot claim ownership, use rights or any lien over an asset created through Namakku Naame Thittam (Urban). Contributor names may appear on a board with local body permission, but the scheme name must occupy at least two thirds of the board. Permission may be cancelled if contributors do not proceed with the work or violate the conditions.