Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Smart Cities Mission (SCM):
1.It was inspired from Internet of Things (IoT) framework.
2.It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
3.The Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the Mission aims to provide financial loans to citizens for upgrading their homes.
4.Cities under the Mission were selected through a competitive process called the Smart Cities Challenge.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. The SCM leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) and other emerging technologies to enhance urban infrastructure, operational efficiency, and quality of life for citizens. IoT serves as a backbone for smart city initiatives, enabling real-time monitoring, data analytics, and predictive maintenance of critical infrastructure. The SCM is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). The Smart Cities Challenge was a competitive process where cities submitted proposals outlining their plans for development. The best proposals were selected for funding under the mission.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The SPV in the SCM is established to plan, appraise, approve, release funds, implement, manage, and monitor smart city projects.
Source: The Hindu

