Syllabus
GS Paper 2 – Welfare Schemes (centre, states; performance, mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for protection of vulnerable sections)
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Urban development
– Performance of government schemes
– Exclusionary government policies
Context
Smart Cities Mission (SCM), faces serious implementation flaws
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 14th May 2024
An overview of the Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), initiated by the government, aimed to transform urban spaces into technologically advanced, sustainable, and efficient hubs. However, the mission has faced challenges and criticism, raising questions about its effectiveness and impact.
What are Smart Cities?
The concept of Smart Cities emerged post the 2009 financial crash, envisioning urban areas with integrated networks of infrastructure and advanced Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Definitions of Smart Cities vary globally, and in India, it depends on factors like development level, resources, and aspirations of residents.
Overview of the SCM
- Launched in June 2015, the SCM aimed to develop 100 cities over five years through area-based development and pan-city solutions based on ICT.
- Area-based development included redevelopment, retrofitting, and greenfield projects,
- Pan-city solutions focused on ICT integration in governance and infrastructure.
- The core infrastructure elements include:
- Adequate water supply,
- Assured electricity supply,
- Sanitation, including solid waste management,
- Efficient urban mobility and public transport,
- Affordable housing, especially for the poor,
- Robust IT connectivity and digitalization,
- Good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation,
- Sustainable environment,
- Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly, and
- Health and education.
- Around ₹2 lakh crore was allocated for the mission, with Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) playing a crucial role.
- Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) were established to oversee the implementation of projects in selected cities.
- SPVs were created under the Companies Act and led by bureaucrats or representatives of major stakeholders, including government officials and private sector entities.
Status of the SCM
- As of April 26, 2024, 8,033 projects have been sanctioned under the SCM, with a total outlay of ₹1,67,875 crore.
- 16% less than the expected amount.
- Out of these, 5,533 projects worth ₹65,063 crore have been completed, while 921 projects worth ₹21,000 crore are ongoing.
- However, around 400 projects across 10 cities are unlikely to meet the extended deadline of June 2024.
Implementation Gaps in SCM
- Flawed City Selection:
- The competitive selection process for smart cities overlooked the diverse urban realities across India, resulting in exclusionary outcomes where only certain cities received attention and funding.
- This approach failed to address the urgent urban development needs of smaller towns and cities, which also face significant challenges related to infrastructure, services, and governance.
- According to World Bank data, more than 49% of India’s population lives in slums, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive urban development strategies that address the needs of marginalized communities in both large and small cities.
- Inadequate Funding:
- Despite ambitious goals, the allocated funds for the Smart Cities Mission fell short of the estimated capital expenditure required for comprehensive urban development.
- McKinsey reports suggest that India requires significant capital expenditure, estimated at $1.2 trillion by 2030, to make its cities livable and sustainable.
- The allocated budget of approximately ₹1,67,875 crore for the Smart Cities Mission is significantly less than what is required to address the multitude of urban challenges effectively.
- This inadequate funding has limited the scale and scope of projects under the Smart Cities Mission, hindering its ability to catalyze transformative change in urban areas.
- Governance Structure:
- The adoption of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for implementing smart city projects was criticized for
- its top-down approach and
- lack of alignment with the 74th Constitutional Amendment, which emphasizes decentralization and local governance.
- The SPV model led to concerns about democratic representation and citizen participation in decision-making processes related to urban development.
- The adoption of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model for implementing smart city projects was criticized for
- Displacement and Disruption:
- Smart city projects resulted in the displacement of marginalized communities, including slum dwellers and street vendors, without adequate provisions for resettlement or compensation.
- Infrastructure Mismanagement:
- Infrastructure development under the Smart Cities Mission inadvertently contributed to urban flooding in several towns and cities by disrupting natural water channels and altering hydrological patterns.
- Poorly planned infrastructure projects, such as road widening and construction, often encroached upon water bodies and wetlands, leading to drainage congestion and increased flood risk.
- As a result, towns and cities that historically did not face flooding issues experienced heightened vulnerability due to infrastructure mismanagement under the Smart Cities Mission.
Conclusion
The Smart Cities Mission, envisioned as a transformative initiative for urban development, has encountered numerous challenges and criticisms. From flawed city selection to governance issues and inadequate funding, the mission’s implementation has fallen short of expectations. Addressing these challenges and reorienting the mission towards inclusive and sustainable urban development is essential to realize its objectives and impact.
Related Topics
PURA initiative
Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam introduced the PURA (Provision of Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) model on Republic Day in 2003 to bridge the rural-urban gap and provide amenities in rural areas.
- The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) initiated the PURA scheme on a pilot basis in seven clusters from 2004 to 2007.
- During the eleventh five-year plan, the scheme was relaunched as a Central Government initiative with support from the Asian Development Bank and the Department of Economic Affairs.
- The PURA scheme operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model involving collaboration between local executive bodies like gram panchayats and private sector partners.
- This partnership aims to accelerate holistic development in rural areas around potential growth centers, thereby improving the quality of life.
- The private sector is responsible for implementing and managing the scheme while adhering to the overarching goal of rural development.
References
Related PYQ
The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.? [ UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2013]
Practice Question
Critically analyze the implementation of the Smart Cities Mission in India. [150 words]