RAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh dominated the ‘SPARK’ awards presented in New Delhi on Thursday by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India and received five awards in different categories.

Three cities of the state were awarded first prize in their respective categories, one urban body was awarded second prize and Chhattisgarh was awarded third prize in the entire country in state level awards. The awards have been given for outstanding work in empowering urban poor families and enhancing their livelihood opportunities.

Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu distributed the awards at a function organized at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

A team of 20 officials and beneficiaries from Chhattisgarh received the awards on behalf of their respective bodies.

Bilaspur Municipal Corporation has been awarded the first prize in the entire country in the population up to one million category for excellent work in Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihood Mission (DE-NULM).

Raigarh Municipal Corporation was awarded the first prize in the category of population up to three lakh and Bhatapara Municipality was awarded the first prize in the category of population up to one lakh in the entire country.

Champa Municipality got the second prize in the category of population up to 50,000.  Chhattisgarh was awarded the third prize in the entire country for its best work in the National Urban Livelihood Mission.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has congratulated the team of SUDA and the four urban bodies as well as the people of the state for the achievement. Under the National Urban Livelihood Mission, assistance is being provided to urban street vendors along with self-employment and skill development.

Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Arun Sao has also congratulated SUDA and the urban bodies selected for the award. The state is continuously performing well.