The Government of India (GoI) initiated the "100 Smart Cities Mission" in 2014. This has triggered deliberations across the country on the concept of smart cities, the need and the orientation of the Mission in the context of India’s present urbanisation scenario. The concept of a "Smart City" is a relatively new phenomenon in India. This report is a step towards synthesising various aspects related to smart cities that has led to the formation of a proposed Reference Framework by CSTEP, for the Smart Cities Mission in India. The report is expected to guide policy makers and urban practitioners in making critical decisions, in an accountable manner and spirit, which will truly make Indian cities smart.
The report begins by carving out the following scope, for India:
- What is the level of clarity on critical aspects of smart city development internationally and the lessons it holds for India?
- Where does the Smart Cities Mission fit in India’s larger urban development trajectory?
- What is needed to orient the Smart Cities Mission such that it addresses India’s pressing urban sector challenges and enables different stakeholders to implement the Mission with consistent objectives, to attain a common goal?