Impact of Smart Cities Mission: Boost in School Enrolment and Enhanced Urban Safety

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 17)

Analysis of News:   

What is the Smart Cities Mission (SCM)?

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in June 2015 to transform 100 cities to provide the necessary core infrastructure and clean and sustainable environment to enable a decent quality of life to their citizens through the application of “Smart Solutions”.
• It aimed to improve the quality of life for citizens through sustainable and inclusive development.

Objectives:

• Provide core infrastructure and decent quality of life
• Clean and sustainable environment
• Application of ‘Smart’ Solutions
• Sustainable and inclusive development
• Compact areas
• Replicable model

Impact of Smart Classrooms on Education

• The IIM-Bangalore study reveals that the implementation of smart classrooms under the Smart Cities Mission has significantly boosted school enrolment by 22% in 19 cities.
• Over 9,433 classrooms were developed across 2,398 government schools at a cost of ₹1,071.7 crore.
• Students, especially those in smaller cities like Ajmer, appreciated the enhanced learning experience provided by smart classrooms.
• However, challenges persist, including data gaps that hinder progress assessment and evaluation of gender parity. Maintaining the digital infrastructure post-mission is crucial for sustained benefits.

Challenges in Data Collection and Reporting

• The study highlights the absence of reliable data on key indicators like enrolment and gender ratios, which restricts the ability to measure long-term outcomes.
• Many cities failed to provide complete data, underscoring the need for better data collection mechanisms.
• Without comprehensive data, assessing the broader impact of smart classroom initiatives remains difficult.

Impact of Surveillance and Safety Measures

• Another IIM-B study examined the role of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) and surveillance systems in enhancing urban safety.
• Across 93 Smart Cities, 59,802 CCTV cameras were installed, while 78 cities implemented 13.95 lakh streetlights.
• In Nagpur, Chennai, and Tumakuru, the use of CCTV footage significantly improved crime-solving rates and fostered a greater sense of security among residents.
• For instance, in Nagpur, camera footage assisted in resolving 36% of police requests, with the evidence also aiding judicial trials.

Public Perception and Law Enforcement

• The adoption of advanced surveillance technologies has strengthened law enforcement and increased public confidence in urban safety.
• Real-time monitoring systems have enabled faster crime resolution and better enforcement of law and order, particularly in cities like Nagpur.
• Residents of these cities report heightened feelings of safety, reflecting the effectiveness of the initiatives.

Delayed Completion of the Smart Cities Mission

• Launched in 2015, the Smart Cities Mission has faced repeated extensions, with only 9% of projects yet to be completed. Initially planned for completion by 2023, the mission has been extended to March 2025.
• This delay underscores the importance of timely execution and sustained funding to ensure the long-term success of initiatives like smart classrooms and ICCCs.

Conclusion

• The studies underscore the tangible benefits of the Smart Cities Mission in education and urban safety while highlighting persistent challenges in data collection, infrastructure maintenance, and project completion.
• Sustained efforts and funding will be critical to ensure the mission’s continued impact on urban development and quality of life.

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