Question : Misappropriation of Funds

Will the Minister of URBAN DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has received any complaint in regard to misappropriations of funds the allocated to the selected smart cities;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise along with the action taken/being taken in this regard by the Government;

(c) whether the Government proposes to revise the prescribed targets for the development of the cities and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Ministry has requested to increase funds for smart cities project and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether the Government has finalised any monitoring device to ensure prompt execution of the mission and if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE
MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT
(RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No, Madam.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): The implementation of the Smart Cities Mission is being done by a City-level Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a limited company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. The SPV will have to comply with all the regulatory/monitoring mechanisms set out in the Company Law.

At the National level, the implementation of Smart Cities Mission is being monitored by an Apex Committee headed by Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development. At State level, State level High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) chaired by the Chief Secretary has been established. There is a provision under Smart Cities Mission Guidelines to establish a Smart City Advisory Forum at the city level to advise and enable collaboration among various stakeholders and will include the District Collector, MP, MLA, Mayor, CEO of SPV, local youths, technical experts etc.

Apart from these, progress of Implementation is being reviewed regularly through Video Conference by Secretary (UD) every month. Besides, Ministry of Urban Development Nominee Directors on the Boards of SPVs are also monitoring the progress of the Mission regularly in respective cities.

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