ADVANCEMENTS IN INDIA’S SMART CITIES MISSION

MAINS – GS2 – GOVERNANCE 

Recent findings from IIM Bangalore, as part of the SAAR (Sameeksha) initiative, emphasize the significant advancements made under India’s Smart Cities Mission in education, urban safety, and overall urban development.

Key Highlights:

1. Enhancements in Education

• Smart Classrooms:
  • 71 cities implemented 9,433 smart classrooms in 2,398 government schools.
  • This led to a 22% increase in student enrolment (2015-16 to 2023-24), particularly benefiting economically weaker sections.
• Digital Libraries:
  • Established in 41 cities, serving 7,809 students as resources for competitive exam preparation.
• Impact:
  • Cities like Ajmer, New Delhi Municipal Council, and Tumakuru reported improved attendance and learning experiences.
  • Teachers in senior secondary education noted increased ease in adopting smart technologies.

2. Urban Safety Improvements

• Women’s Safety Initiatives:
  • 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes installed in 93 smart cities, integrated with Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs).
  • Results:
    • Nagpur: 14% reduction in crime rates.
    • Women reported feeling safer in public spaces in cities like Chennai, Nagpur, and Tumakuru.
  • Advanced systems and evidence-based policing have contributed to a decline in harassment and crime rates.

3. SAAR Platform and Policy Implications

• SAAR (Sameeksha):
  • Launched in 2022, the platform connects academic research with government urban initiatives.
  • 29 institutions (e.g., IIMs, IITs) conducted 50 assessments, offering insights to guide future urban development strategies.

4. Smart Cities Mission Overview

• Launch Year: 2015.
• Objective: To enhance urban infrastructure and quality of life.
• Progress: By November 2024, 91% of projects completed, showcasing innovative, replicable urban development models.

Key Takeaways (GKToday Notes):

1. SAAR – Sameeksha:
   • Platform for evaluating urban project impacts, fostering academia-government collaboration.
2. Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs):
   • Centralized urban management hubs, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
3. Smart Cities Mission:
   • Aimed at sustainable urban solutions, achieving significant progress since its inception.

The mission exemplifies India’s commitment to sustainable urban growth, focusing on technology-driven education and safety advancements to improve citizens’ quality of life.