Citizen Engagement in Smart Cities: Theoretical Insights and Reflections on Northeast India

Citizen engagement has emerged as a foundational pillar of participatory governance and sustainable urban development, especially in the era of Smart Cities. Drawing on theoretical contributions from network governance, urban Marxism, and critical digital urbanism, this article explores how citizen participation has evolved, both conceptually and practically, within the framework of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in India. While global and national examples such as Porto Alegre, Seoul, Pune, and Bhubaneswar demonstrate innovative models of inclusive urban governance, the Indian experience reveals substantial gaps between participatory rhetoric and practice. These shortcomings are particularly pronounced in Northeast India, where socio-political complexities, infrastructural deficits, and surveillance-led governance have hindered meaningful public involvement. Using a comprehensive literature review approach, the article highlights how the promise of digital empowerment often falls short of delivering democratic inclusion. The article critiques the instrumental use of technology and calls for a reimagining of smart urbanism grounded in justice, inclusivity, and active citizenship.