India is urbanizing at the rapid pace and its cities have become the engines of growth at national and regional levels both. In Madhya Pradesh, there are 26 towns/cities with populations over 100,000 (2001 Census) including the capital Bhopal. The state is undergoing considerable change in terms of urban and economic growth, with the population of 60.4 million (Census 2001). Despite its reputation as a largely rural state, Madhya Pradesh has a large and growing urban population. The estimated urban population is 16.1 million, 27% of the total, very similar to the all India proportion of 28%.In line with expected trends in India , urbanization in Madhya Pradesh is expected to intensify over the coming decades. The urban population is therefore likely to exceed 25 million by the year 2021.

MP is the third poorest in terms of the population living below the poverty line. Urban local bodies, like anywhere in the world, are constantly grappling with problems. It's fire fighting for city managers everyday. They have to face acute and varied pressures. There is a general perception that municipal authorities function poorly, and not to the satisfaction of the citizens. The need is for all urban players – citizens, local government, state government, national government, the private sector and civil society organizations – to work harder to solve urban problems and challenges. The widespread agreement is required that all concerned would do their part, rather than simply transfer responsibility to others. Agreement also required on appropriate engagements, partnerships and relationships to be built in an inclusive manner to better understand challenges and develop practical solutions. However, there are encouraging signs of leadership and innovation among urban local bodies, initiatives that are indicative of administrative and political will for improving urban management. In this scenario, any innovative step taken by an urban local body needs to be recognized and lauded. Urban local bodies have a number of tasks to perform without having financial and professional capacities. Good urban governance is a prerequisite for sustainable urban development, and information, communication and education are tools for facilitating such a process.