EXTENSION OF SMART CITIES MISSION (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: The Centre has extended the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) under the Union Urban Development Ministry till March 31, 2025.

Mission Progress Report

• Project Completion Status: As of July 3, 100 cities have finished 7,188 projects, which account for 90% of the total projects under the mission, with an expenditure of ₹1,44,237 crore.
• Projects in Progress: Additionally, 830 projects amounting to ₹19,926 crore are in advanced stages of completion.
• Budget Allocation: The mission was allocated ₹48,000 crore for these cities, out of which ₹46,585 crore, or 97%, has already been disbursed.
• Utilization of Funds: Of the funds released, 93% have been effectively utilized by the cities.
• Extension Requests: Some state and city government representatives have requested an extension to complete the remaining 10% of projects, citing ongoing challenges and requirements.

Smart Cities Mission (SCM)

• Launched by: June, 2015.
• Ministry: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
• Objective: To promote cities that provide core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment, and give a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of ‘smart solutions’.
• Focus Area: Sustainable and inclusive development by the creation of replicable models that act as lighthouses to other aspiring cities.