The Path to Becoming a Smart City: Understanding the Selection Process

Smart cities are the future of urban living, merging technologies and innovation to enhance the quality of life for residents and create sustainable urban environments. However, not every city gets the opportunity to become a smart city. How are smart cities selected? The process involves multiple stages and criteria. In this article, we will delve into the detailed steps and requirements that cities must fulfill to become a smart city under the Union Government's Smart City Mission in India.

The Selection Process Overview

The selection process for smart cities is a multi-layered and rigorous evaluation. There are two primary stages in the process:

Shortlisting of Cities by the States

The first step involves the states shortlisting potential cities that can participate in the Smart City Mission. State governments are responsible for initiating this process, as they have a better understanding of their local needs, resources, and potential.

Format for Cities to be Sent to State for Shortlisting

Cities are required to submit a detailed format that includes:

Service Levels Institutional Capacity Self-Financing Capacity Past Track Record in Reforms

This comprehensive format ensures that cities are evaluated based on their readiness and capability to implement smart city initiatives effectively.

Selection of Cities Based on Their Proposal as Smart City

Once the shortlisted cities are identified by the states, the next stage is the selection of cities based on their proposal of becoming a smart city. This stage is highly competitive and strict, with only a few cities being chosen for the final stage.

Format for State Government to Judge the Cities

The state government evaluates the cities based on 13 criterias, which are:

Smart Governance Smart Economy Smart Mobility Smart Water Smart Energy Smart Waste Management Smart Building Smart People Smart Construction Smart Green Smart Healthcare Smart Tourism Smart Education

These criteria cover various aspects of urban life, from governance and infrastructure to the environment and citizen engagement. Each city is scored based on how well it aligns with these critical areas.

Conclusion

The selection process for smart cities is meticulously designed to identify cities that have the potential to embark on a transformative journey towards sustainable and innovative urban development. By adhering to a structured and rigorous evaluation process, the Union Government ensures that only the most suitable cities are chosen to participate in the Smart City Mission.

For detailed guidance and mission guidelines, you can visit the official publications and resources. Understanding these processes can help cities in their strategic planning and application for the Smart City Mission.