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Smart cities mission can do wonders if implemented properly

By Vikas
|
Google Oneindia News

Among many initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to transform India is the Smart Cities Mission that promises to transform the way our cities look, function and most importantly the way we live. The project aims to provide residents with an efficient and reliable infrastructure, enhanced quality of life and economic opportunities.

Smart cities mission can do wonders if implemented properly

The government's mission is to develop 109 smart cities and it was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015. As of Jun 2017, 90 cities have been selected for upgrade as part of smart city mission after they defeated other cities in the challenge.

Need for such an initiative:

Cities accommodate nearly 31% of India's current population and contribute 63% of GDP (Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India's population and contribute 75% of India's GDP by 2030. This requires a comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure. All are important in improving the quality of life and attracting people and investment, setting in motion a virtuous cycle of growth and development. Development of Smart Cities is a step in that direction.

How cities were shortlisted:

The total number of 100 Smart Cities have been distributed among the States and Union Territories on the basis of an equitable criteria. The formula gives equal weightage (50:50) to urban population of the states and the number of statutory towns in the state.

Based on this formula, each state will, therefore, have a certain number of potential Smart Cities, with each state having at least one. The number of potential Smart Cities from each state will be capped at the indicated number. This distribution formula has also been used for allocation of funds under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation - AMRUT.

Financing and implementation:

The results of this initiative are expected to show by 2022. Financial support will be given by the central and state government between 2017 - 2022 to the cities.

The execution of projects may be done through joint ventures, subsidiaries, public-private partnership (PPP), turnkey contracts.

Final thoughts:

Considering the growing number of people migrating from rural areas to cities it is very important that cities are equipped to accommodate these people. Now, it remains to be seen how effectively the projects are implemented so as to change the urban lifestyle.

OneIndia News

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