Current Affairs

Sign in
Polity and GovernanceGS2
GS2

Opposition criticises implementation framework of Smart Cities Mission

Source:The Hindu ↗

Why It Matters

The debate highlights the complexities of assessing large-scale urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission. It underscores the tension between statistical project completion metrics and actual on-ground improvements in urban livability, while clarifying the government's targeted area-based development strategy versus holistic city transformation.

Summary

Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the Union Government's Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in the Lok Sabha, labelling it a 'half-baked scheme' that failed to deliver basic urban amenities despite high expenditure. Gandhi argued that issues like contaminated water and collapsing infrastructure persist even though the government claims 97% of projects are complete. Responding for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Minister of State Tokhan Sahu defended the scheme, noting that 98% of the ₹47,458 crore released has been utilised. He clarified that the SCM was designed around an 'area-based development' approach—focusing on retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield models—rather than upgrading entire cities. Sahu also cited a September 2025 NITI Aayog evaluation affirming the scheme's relevance to India's urban development needs and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.

Key Points

  • LoP Rahul Gandhi criticised the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) for failing to provide basic urban amenities like clean water and safe infrastructure, despite government claims of 97% project completion.
  • Responding in the Lok Sabha, MoS Tokhan Sahu stated that 7,784 out of 8,064 SCM projects have been completed, utilising 98% of the ₹47,458 crore central assistance released to 100 cities.
  • The government clarified that the SCM was intentionally designed around an 'area-based development' approach (retrofitting, redevelopment, greenfield development) and targeted pan-city solutions, rather than overhauling entire cities.
  • A September 2025 NITI Aayog evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes affirmed the SCM's relevance to India's urban needs and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Linked PYQs · 4

Linked PYQs · 4

  • 2025MainsGS1

    How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice?

  • 2016MainsGS1

    With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the 'Smart City Programme'.

  • 2015MainsGS1

    Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

  • 2016MainsGS3

    What are 'Smart Cities'? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for 'Smart Villages' in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.