Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Smart Cities Mission, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Housing for All.  The main aim of these three ambitious schemes is to develop Indian cities and towns as new engines of growth. The Housing for All is now named as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and altogether these three schemes costs Rs 4 lakh crore.

Prime Minister said under Smart Cities Mission, quality of life will be enhanced in 100 identified cities and towns by ensuring quality infrastructure, improving services through application of smart solutions and enabling a clean and sustainable environment.

Points to Remember

• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana aims to provide at least 20 million homes to people belonging to the economically weaker sections and lower income categories over the next seven years.
• The Smart City and AMRUT projects are expected to cost the central government Rs.48,000 crore and Rs.50,000 crore, respectively, over the next five years.
• The Smart City project seeks to enhance quality of life in 100 selected cities with 24 hour water and power supply, world class transportation system, better education and recreational facilities, e-governance and environment-friendly atmosphere.
• AMRUT seeks to ensure basic infrastructure for 500 cities with a population of above one lakh.
• AMRUT replaces the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The funds will be allocated in view of the urban population and number of cities/towns in each state/UT.
• UP leads the pack with the allocation of 13 Smart Cities and 54 AMRUT cities. Tamil Nadu comes second with the allocation of 12 smart cities and 33 AMRUT cities.
• AMRUT ensures water supply to each household, sewer connections, sanitation and solid waste management, provision for roads and public transportation.