The Uttar Pradesh government is overhauling the structure of urban local bodies by increasing the number of cadre posts from 3,085 to 6,686, introducing specialised roles in urban planning, environmental issues, and animal welfare. This is the first major restructuring in 50 years, responding to the projected rise of urban residents from 24% to 50% over the next three decades. The urban development department now manages various initiatives, including the Smart City programme and AMRUT. New positions for civil engineers and other specialists will be created, alongside two new cadre roles: environmental officer and town planner, enhancing urban governance and efficiency.

To fully revamp the structure of urban local bodies, specialised officials will be designated to address urban planning, environmental issues, and animal welfare. The Uttar Pradesh government has authorised the urban development department to reorganise the cadre posts. The number of positions will rise from the current 3,085 to 6,686. New cadre services focused on planning, environment, and animal welfare will be created to hire these specialised officials. Additionally, urban local bodies will be classified into three categories based on their local population for improved efficiency.

This large-scale restructuring marks the first significant change in the department in the last 50 years. The department is vital for delivering services and amenities to the urban population. It is projected that over the next 30 years, the proportion of urban residents in the state will rise from the current 24% to 50%. Since 2017, in an effort to promote rapid urbanisation, the number of urban local bodies has increased from 650 to 762. Additionally, the Yogi Adityanath government has upgraded 112 remote areas to town status and expanded the boundaries of 119 existing municipal councils (nagar palikas) and town councils (nagar panchayats).

Officials noted that the urban development department now oversees a broad range of ambitious projects and initiatives that go well beyond conventional municipal roles. Civic bodies are tasked with implementing programmes such as the Smart City initiative, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (urban), along with various other state and central government schemes aimed at improving urban living conditions.

The principal secretary of the department, Amrit Abhijat, remarked that the cadre structure had been established in a different era and that many new challenges and complexities have arisen in the daily operations of civic bodies. He highlighted that the overhaul of the cadre is not merely an administrative change but a strategic initiative necessary to equip the workforce with specialised skills for specific roles. He also highlighted the significant role urban local bodies play in strengthening the state's economy.

Elaborating further, another official indicated that the positions for civil engineers would rise from 418 to 1,517. Furthermore, new staff would be hired for landscaping, horticulture, stray animal management, design, planning, architecture, information technology, data management, e-office operations, and the operation of specialised vehicles and equipment. Two new cadre positions—environmental officer and town planner—have also been introduced. Nagar palikas and panchayats will soon receive tax and accounting officials following the creation of these new posts.

The restructuring of urban local bodies in Uttar Pradesh represents a crucial step towards modernising governance and enhancing service delivery. By significantly increasing the cadre strength and introducing specialised roles, the government aims to address contemporary challenges in urban management effectively. This strategic initiative is expected to improve operational efficiency and adaptability in response to the anticipated rise in urban population. With a focus on comprehensive development through various ambitious projects, the restructuring not only aims to meet current needs but also positions urban local bodies as key drivers of economic growth and sustainable development in the state.