Considering the shortage of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, the Central Government has asked the states to look beyond the IAS cadre and choose professionals for heading special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in smart cities.
Rajiv Gauba, the new Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, conveyed the message to the states in a review meeting, recently. Gauba interacted with the CEOs of SPVs set up for implementation of smart city plans, Municipal Commissioners of 16 smart cities, Mission Directors and senior officials of 9 respective state governments through video-conferencing.
The government has asked the states to ensure appointment of full-time CEOs for the SPVs, a statement from the Ministry said.
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam that account for the remaining four smart cities have been kept out of the review as Assembly elections are in progress in these cities, it added.
The New Delhi Municipal Council said that substantial ground work has already been done for the launch of smart city projects by June this year and a provision of ₹400 crore for smart city project has been made in the budget for this financial year.
Centre is to provide an assistance of ₹500 crore for each city under the flagship mission, while the respective States and urban local bodies have to provide an equal amount. Rest of the required resources will be mobilized through convergence of all schemes of central and state governments, PPP, Municipal Bonds and borrowings from financial institutions.
The mission intends to promote adoption of smart solutions to enhance the quality of urban life and provide a clean and sustainable environment.
