OU Signs MoU For Capacity Building Programme
- Osmania University partners with Union Ministry for urban governance training
- Initiative to empower municipal staff across seven states and two UTs
A major milestone in India’s urban development efforts was achieved at the National Urban Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, where Osmania University (OU) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). The agreement focuses on launching a comprehensive capacity-building programme to train municipal administration personnel across seven states and two Union Territories through the Regional Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES), Osmania University.
The MoU was exchanged between Prof. Kumar Molugaram, Vice-Chancellor of Osmania University, and Prof. Srinagesh, Director of RCUES, alongside the Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs. The initiative aims to strengthen the knowledge, efficiency, and administrative capabilities of municipal officials to help them deliver effective urban governance and enhanced citizen services. Training modules will include key areas such as urban planning, smart governance, solid waste management, traffic regulation, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure development.
Senior IAS officials, including Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA; Mahendra Dev, Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister; and Uma Shankar, Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), attended the exchange ceremony. The event also saw participation from state secretaries, commissioners of urban development, and over 3,000 delegates representing urban local bodies nationwide.
Addressing the event, Prof. Kumar Molugaram highlighted the need to enhance administrative preparedness in step with India’s rapid urbanization. He said, “Urban transformation in India demands not only infrastructure but also intellectual and administrative readiness. Through this collaboration, we aspire to empower municipal officers with modern tools, knowledge, and management practices that align with India’s vision for sustainable and inclusive urban growth.”
The Minister commended Osmania University’s commitment to strengthening academic linkages with government-led development missions. He emphasized that such partnerships between academia and administration would create future-ready governance systems. The day’s agenda also included thematic sessions, panel discussions, and presentations from state governments showcasing successful urban reform projects.
The signing of this MoU marked a significant forward step in professionalizing urban administration and creating resilient, responsive cities. The initiative reinforces India’s ambition toward the “Viksit Bharat” vision, ensuring that empowered municipal staff serve as catalysts of sustainable urban transformation.
