Evaluation criteria for Smart City plans firmed up

Implementation framework given 30 per cent weightage, Result orientation-20 per cent, Citizen participation-16 per cent, smartness of solutions-10 per cent, SWOT analysis based strategic plan-10 per cent

Based on credibility, feasibility and citizen engagement, Smart City plans will be evaluated by the Urban Development Ministry for selection of first batch of 20 cities after detailed consultation with states and urban local bodies (ULB).

Smart City plans are to be submitted by December 15 to the Ministry by the 98 identified mission cities for evaluation in the second stage of City Challenge Competition which will be assessed for their credibility and do-ability. States and ULBs have been adequately consulted in this regard, the ministry said.

98 cities were earlier selected based on intra-state competition in the first stage of City Challenge Competition based on a set of criteria. Whereas, the evaluation criteria for second stage of competition accords a weightage of 30 out of a total 100 marks for implementation framework including feasibility and cost effectiveness, 20 for result orientation, 16 for citizen consultation for identifying goals and objectives, 10 for smartness of solutions, 10 for adoption of SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for preparation of strategic plan and 5 each for city vision and goals and quality of city profiling including identification of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Potential for improvement of city and 4 per cent for processes followed.

Smart City Plans will be assessed based on city-level criteria (30 per cent weightage), area based development features (50 per cent) and pan-city solutions (15 per cent) encompassing above mentioned parameters. based on the suggestions from states and ULBs, weightage for pan-city solutions has been increased from 10 per cent to 15 per cent.

Citizen engagement has been made mandatory for identifying smart city objectives and evolving strategic plan under city-level criteria, deciding on area development features and identification of Pan-city Solutions with a total weightage of 16 per cent.

City-level criteria includes measures taken during the last three years to enhance livability and administrative efficiency of cities, quality of city vision and strategic plan, identification of gaps and KPIs and potential for improvement.

Implementation framework including feasibility and cost effectiveness of area based development and pan-city solutions of smart city proposals is given the highest weightage of 30 per cent as it encompasses credibility of proposals. Under this, mission cities should indicate realistic timelines and targets and sequencing of efforts and actions through PERT and CPM charts, a clear financing plan with details of resource requirements and their mobilisation, development of bankable projects, innovative ways of financing including tapping of financial markets and land monetisation, life time costs, O&M costs and financial sustainability, details of special purpose vehicle (SPV) to be set up, convergence with other schemes, role of various institutions involved in implementation of plan etc.

Result orientation of area development and pan-city proposals includes extent of adoption of 24 Smart City features, do-ability of proposals, outcomes, convergence of different schemes for resource mobilisation, identification of risks and their management, impact of smart city proposals on governance, spatial impact (enhanced density of living and mixed land use), economic impact (new commercial spaces for economic activity), social impact (improved public spaces enhancing social cohesion) and environmental impact.

Pan-city solutions are mandatory component of Smart City proposals aiming at benefitting entire city through application of information and communication technologies resulting in improvement in governance and public service delivery. Mission city are required to clearly bring out the measurable impact of these solutions on governance and service delivery besides the time frame by when the benefits would be felt by the citizens.

Smart City Mission focuses on area development through retrofitting, redevelopment and green field development or a combination of these with Pan-city Solutions as a mandatory component.

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