The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, is a significant initiative aimed at providing core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and an improved quality of life to citizens through the application of smart solutions. With over 90% of the allocated funds being utilized and 73% of the projects already completed, the mission has made remarkable progress in its implementation.
Understanding the Smart Cities Mission:
The Smart Cities Mission is a collaborative effort between the Union Ministry of Urban Development and state governments. Its primary objective is to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life in cities through comprehensive work on social, economic, physical, and institutional aspects. The focus is on promoting sustainable and inclusive development by creating replicable models that can serve as guiding examples for other aspiring cities.
Selection Process and Scale:
Under the Smart Cities Mission, a total of 100 cities across India have been selected to be developed as smart cities. The selection process involved a two-stage competition, wherein cities were assessed based on various parameters, including their vision, feasibility, and citizen engagement. These selected cities now receive support and funding from the government to implement smart city projects.
Implementation as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme:
The Smart Cities Mission operates as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, meaning that both the central and state governments contribute funds for its implementation. This approach ensures a shared responsibility and collaborative effort in transforming cities into smart, sustainable, and citizen-centric spaces.
The Principles of Smart Cities:
Although there is no standard definition or template for a smart city, the concept is based on six fundamental principles. These principles serve as the foundation for the development of smart cities, guiding their planning and implementation:
- Adequate physical infrastructure: Smart cities prioritize the creation of robust physical infrastructure, including efficient transportation systems, reliable utilities, and well-planned urban spaces.
- Sustainable environment: Emphasis is placed on building sustainable cities that optimize resource usage, minimize waste generation, and promote eco-friendly practices.
- Quality of life: Smart cities aim to enhance the quality of life for their residents by providing access to quality healthcare, education, recreational facilities, and public amenities.
- Technology-driven solutions: The integration of advanced technologies, such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics, enables smart cities to deliver innovative solutions for efficient governance, service delivery, and citizen engagement.
- Citizen participation: Smart cities actively involve citizens in decision-making processes, encouraging their participation and feedback to ensure the development aligns with their needs and aspirations.
- Inclusive and equitable development: The focus is on promoting inclusive development, addressing the needs of all sections of society and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Important Points:
- Smart Cities Mission:
- 🌟 Launched in 2015
- 🎯 Objective: Provide core infrastructure, clean environment, and quality of life
- 👥 Implemented by Union Ministry of Urban Development and state governments
- 💼 Focus on social, economic, physical, and institutional pillars of the city
- Progress and Achievements:
- 💰 Over 90% funds utilized
- 🏗️ 73% of projects completed
- Selection and Scale:
- 🎯 100 cities selected through a two-stage competition
- 🗺️ Vision, feasibility, and citizen engagement considered for selection
- Implementation:
- 🤝 Centrally Sponsored Scheme
- 💵 Both central and state governments contribute funds
- Principles of Smart Cities:
- 🏢 Adequate physical infrastructure
- ♻️ Sustainable environment
- 🌇 Improved quality of life
- 🌐 Technology-driven solutions
- 👥 Citizen participation
- 🌍 Inclusive and equitable development
Why In News
Over 90% of the funds allocated under the Smart Cities Mission have been successfully utilized, indicating efficient financial management and project execution. Furthermore, an impressive 73% of the projects have reached completion, showcasing the mission’s significant progress in transforming cities into smart and sustainable urban centers.
MCQs about India’s Smart Cities Mission
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What is the primary objective of the Smart Cities Mission?
A. Promote tourism and cultural heritage
B. Improve agricultural practices in rural areas
C. Enhance quality of life through smart solutions
D. Develop industrial infrastructure for economic growth
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Which principle emphasizes involving citizens in decision-making processes for smart city development?
A. Adequate physical infrastructure
B. Sustainable environment
C. Quality of life
D. Citizen participation
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What is the role of the Union Ministry of Urban Development in the Smart Cities Mission?
A. Financially support the mission
B. Implement the mission in collaboration with state governments
C. Conduct the selection process for smart cities
D. Develop the template for a smart city
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