Government of India launched Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on 25 June 2015. 100 Smart Cities have been selected through 4 rounds of competition from January 2016 to June 2018. The objective of SCM is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and decent quality of life to their citizens, clean and sustainable environment through application of smart solutions. The idea is to look at compact areas, create replicable models which will act as lighthouses for other areas in the same city/other aspiring cities.
The learnings from the Mission are disseminated through various mechanisms. There have been 4 editions of India Smart City Awards (ISACs) wherein best cities, projects and innovations have been recognized. As part of each edition, a compendium of award winning projects is published. The Mission has published numerous publications, newsletters, advisories, documents focused on various works that have happened under its umbrella. These documents are useful for all towns and cities of the country. The Mission uses platforms like national and regional conferences, seminars and webinars for peer-to-peer learning. Besides these activities, various outcome indices like the Ease of Living Index have been formulated under the Mission which act as platforms for cross-learning among cities. As on 27 November 2023, work orders have been issued in 7,959 projects worth around₹ 1,71,224 crore; of which 6,271 projects worth ₹ 1,16,269 crore have been completed.₹ 78,749.88 crore has been released; of which₹ 71,135.70crore (90%) has been utilized.
The implementation of SCM at the City level is done by SPV created for the purpose. At State level, Mission implementation is monitored by the State Level High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC). At the National level, implementation is monitored by an Apex Committee headed by Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Nominee Directors of MoHUA on the Boards of SPVs monitor progress in respective cities on a regular basis. MoHUA regularly interacts with the States/Smart Cities through video conferences, review meetings, field visits, regional workshops etc. Smart Cities are continuously assessed on various parameters including, but not limited to, project implementation and utilization of funds through the Real Time Online Geospatial Management Information System (GMIS). The period of implementation of SCM has been extended upto June 2024 and all Smart Cities are expected to complete their projects within the stipulated time.