Smart Cities Mission in India: Objectives, Principles, and Characteristics

Why the scheme is in the news?

Officials announced on Monday that the deadline for the Smart Cities Mission will be extended until June 2024, as requested by some cities that require additional time to finish their ongoing projects. The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry decided to extend the existing deadline of June 2023.

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Ministry: – Union Housing and Urban Affairs

Launch Year: – June 2015

Implementing Body: – Cities had to form a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), led by a full-time CEO, and have representatives from the central, state, and local governments on its board to execute their smart city plans. The SPV can seek support from consulting firms and hire Project Management Consultants (PMCs) to aid in the process.

Objectives: –

Improve quality of life
Provide better infrastructure
Introduce better healthcare facilities
Improve safety and security
Introduce Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Improve government workings through direct participation

What is a Smart City?

No standard definition or template of a smart city
Six fundamental principles of Smart Cities in India:

Community at the core of planning and implementation
More from Less – generate greater outcomes with lesser resources
Cooperative and Competitive Federalism – cities selected through competition, flexibility in project implementation
Integration, innovation, sustainability – innovating methods, integrated and sustainable solutions
Technology as means, not the goal – careful selection of relevant technology
Convergence – sectorial and financial convergence

Some main characteristics of smart cities are: –

1. Artificial Intelligence
i. Introduction to ICTs
ii. IT connectivity
iii. Digitalization
2. e-Governance
i. e- Panchayat
ii. e- Chaupal
3. Good Infrastructure
i. Good water supply
ii. Electricity for all
iii. Proper Sanitation
iv. Solid waste management system
v. Urban Mobility
vi. Adequate public transportation
vii. Affordable living conditions like Housing
viii. Sustainable environment

Target of the Scheme: – 100 cities to be covered between 2019 and 2023

Beneficiaries: – Residents of the smart cities.

Funding: – Centrally Sponsored Scheme

Budget Allocation: – Rs 16,000 crore

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