Centre Selects Mulugu DistrictFor Women, Girls’ Inclusive Project

-Warangal: In a major step towards urban safety and gender equality, the central government has chosen Telangana’s Mulugu district as the pilot district for the implementation of the “Inclusive Cities for Women and Girls” project.

Supported by the Nirbhaya Fund, the initiative involves a strategic shift in urban planning by prioritizing the safety, dignity and mobility of women and girls in India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities. The project is aligned with the Smart Cities Mission and Inclusive Cities Partnership Program (ICPP), which aims to make Indian cities more equitable.

In this regard, a high-level conference was held with the participation of officials of the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare of the Telangana government. The Center has suggested guidelines for preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), which will serve as a blueprint for the execution of the “Inclusive Cities for Women and Girls” project.

Implementation of the project involves a multi-part approach. The state government will appoint a Nodal Officer to facilitate seamless coordination between the Women and Child Development Department, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Transport department. The synergy between these wings is considered vital to ensure safe and barrier-free mobility of women and girls on public transport and urban roads at all hours.

Mulugu is part of the nationwide pilot study covering 10 Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The central government aims to examine and close the security gaps seen in rapidly growing urban centres. The project includes the Inclusive City Framework, which integrates gender-responsive infrastructure such as improved street lighting, surveillance and the creation of safe civic spaces.

Mulugu district collector TS Divakara said the aim of the project was to create an environment where women and girls would feel safe and have equal access to every opportunity. He said that they have expedited the preparation of DPR with all the necessary documents to be submitted to the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.

The Inclusive Cities initiative goes beyond physical security. It aims to protect the dignity of women through social security and livelihood support. Mulugu will be a model for other developing districts in the state by addressing the specific needs of women, from safe housing to gender-sensitive sanitation and transportation.

Key officials, including additional collector (Local Bodies) Sampath Rao and District Social Welfare Officer EP Premalatha, were among those present in the meeting.