NEW DELHI: The Central government on Thursday (February 9) said that almost all 100 cities selected under the smart cities initiative are progressing "fairly well" with some facing a slowdown in work due to COVID-19 and local factors.
The Govt's assertion came in response to a query in Lok Sabha by Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor, who asked about alleged discrepancies in the implementation of the projects under the smart city programme.
Shashi Tharoor cited a comparison between Varanasi with Atal Nagar in Chhattisgarh, mentioning while most projects are complete for the former, only a few had wrapped up for the latter.
Hardeep Singh Puri, the minister for housing and urban affairs, responded to a question during the question period by saying, "When you read facts and figures, you have to be careful." Even if a construction project may have very little work left to finish it, it will still be listed as in progress until the completion certificate arrives, Puri noted.
"The majority of the 100 cities are doing okay. The COVID-19 period caused a stall in some projects, or there were local issues at play. The State governments also played a part in some (projects) " he said.
Puri emphasised that there is a significant difference in areas where local MPs and elected officials show attention.
Addressing the assertion of "Varanasi was designated a smart city in September 2016, whereas Atal Nagar was included in round three, considerably later, said Puri. Therefore, to compare something from round one to round three also needs what I refer to as a statistical hop, step, and jump, which I believe knowledgeable members and analysts should attempt to avoid engaging in."
From January 2016 to June 2018, 100 smart cities were chosen following four rounds of competition. On June 25, 2015, the Ministry officially launched the Smart Cities Mission.
PM to reply on 'Motion of Thanks' in Rajya Sabha today
PM Modi Gives BJP 'Mantra' to Win 2024 National Elections
Oppn demand PM'S response on Adani row, RS adjourned till 2 pm
