Rejuvenation of Urban Governance through Smart Cities Mission in India

India’s growth ambitions rest significantly on the ability of cities to perform their role as engines of economic growth; hence, urban governance has emerged as an important policy matter. The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is integral to a set of large-scale, ambitious federal programmes aimed to rejuvenate and modernize Indian cities. The SCM, a flagship programme has greatly enhanced the ability of participating cities to govern: allowing cities the choice to interpret smartness in contextually relevant ways; enabling flexible governance mechanisms through institutional innovation; and improving coordination through data-driven and technology infrastructure. Smart cities offer hope for a more responsive and adaptive urban environment with improved quality of life, increased efficiency and enhanced public engagement. However, the realization of these aspirations requires a thoughtful and holistic approach that considers the complex interplay between technology, governance and societal needs.