The Centre has asked the states to look beyond the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre, given the shortage of officers, and choose professionals for heading special purpose vehicles (SPVs) in smart cities.
This was conveyed to states in a review meeting taken by Rajiv Gauba, the new Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development. Gauba interacted with 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 on Wednesday.
States have been asked 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.
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.
Under the flagship mission, the Centre will provide an assistance of ₹500 crore for each city while the respective States and urban local bodies will provide an equal amount. Rest of the required resources have to 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.