Impact Assessment Studies on Smart Cities Mission
The IIM, Bangalore, has conducted a study that unequivocally demonstrates the significant improvements in the quality of education. Above all, the Smart Cities Mission, particularly the introduction of Smart Classrooms has contributed to this improvement.
Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission has made a substantial impact on education, with 71 smart cities developing a staggering 9,433 smart classrooms in 2,398 government schools, as reported by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. The Smart Cities Mission has not only focused on technological advancements but also on cultural revival. From Srinagar to Chennai, Aurangabad to Aizawl, the Mission has upgraded public education facilities. Consequently, this has breathed new life into public reading spaces. Indian Smart Cities Mission uses technology to bridge gaps in public education, according to the IIM Bangalore Impact assessment study.
- Nagpur reported a 14% decline in overall crime rates post-implementation of surveillance measures, says IIM Bangalore.
- According to the IIM Bangalore report, Chennai’s Edge Analytics for Crime Prevention is a technological leap in women’s urban safety.
- The study highlights how smart lighting and panic buttons are reducing crime and building safer urban spaces for women.
The Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore conducted two significant studies under the SAAR—Sameeksha Series. These studies concluded improvements in the Quality of Education and real-time tracking of incidences of criminal activities.
The two studies included the following questions:
Improvement in Quality of Education
Has there been improvement in Indian Smart Cities towards Quality of Education through Smart Classrooms?
Launched in Nov 2023, SAAR – Sameeksha Series of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) carried out 50 national-level impact assessment studies. These studies were on various themes and covered Indian smart cities. Twenty-nine (29) premier institutions of India carried out this survey. In this series, IIM, Bangalore undertook a study titled ‘Has there been improvement in Indian Smart Cities towards Quality of Education through Smart Classrooms for Children especially Poor Children, like the decline in the dropout rate, etc. if any’.
The national-level study concluded that 71 cities have developed 9,433 smart classrooms in 2,398 government schools. The introduction of smart classrooms by SCM has led to a 22% increase in overall enrolment. This finding is as per the data reported by 19 cities between 2015-16 and 2023-24. The concerned authorities in Ajmer (Rajasthan), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), and Tumakuru (Karnataka) undertook detailed city-level analysis. Another key outcome of the report includes the following:
- 41 cities have developed Digital Libraries with a total of 7,809 seating capacity.
- The study highlights the significant impact of Digital Libraries in cities like Raipur and Tumakuru. These libraries provide essential educational resources and support students’ preparation for competitive exams.
- Training for teachers improved their comfort and preference for using smart classroom facilities. Markedly, senior secondary teachers showed the highest comfort levels compared to others.
- Teachers generally agree that the smart classroom initiative is improving learning experiences. They also highlighted the improvement in student attendance across select smart cities in the country.
- Introducing smart solutions at government schools and public libraries has been beneficial for many. Smart classrooms and digital libraries have facilitated inclusive access to smart education for economically weaker sections.
Note: You can download the report from the given weblink. Has there been improvement in the Indian Smart Cities towards Quality of Education through Smart Classrooms for children especially Poor Children, like decline in dropout rate, etc, if any? | IIM Bangalore.
The Impact on Criminal Activities
What has been the impact of real-time tracking on the incidences of criminal activities in Indian Smart Cities, especially crime against women?
Under SAAR – The government launched the Sameeksha series of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in November 2023; 50 national-level impact assessment studies were carried out on various themes in Indian smart cities by twenty-nine (29) premier institutions of India. In this series, a survey on ‘What has been the impact of real-time tracking in incidences of criminal activities in Indian Smart Cities, especially crime against women? was undertaken by IIM Bangalore. The study assesses the effects of security and surveillance measures, including real-time incident tracking, CCTV cameras, IoT-enabled devices, and their integration with Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) in ensuring the urban safety of women and girls. The national-level study has focused on the smart cities of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and Tumakuru (Karnataka) for a detailed primary impact assessment. Other key outcomes of the report include the following:
- Across 93 smart cities, over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes have been installed, and real-time monitoring systems through ICS have contributed to a safer urban environment for women. Integration of surveillance systems with police operations has enhanced evidence-based policing nationwide.
- Chennai and Tumakuru leveraged advanced monitoring systems, integrating safety cameras with ICCCs to assist law enforcement in gathering critical evidence for resolving crimes efficiently.
- Nagpur reported a 14% decline in overall crime rates post-implementation of surveillance measures.
- Implementing smart surveillance systems has reduced harassment, assault, and other crimes in areas with robust safety measures. Women in these three cities reported increased confidence in assessing public spaces.
Note: You can download this report from the weblink: What has been the impact of real time tracking in incidences of criminal activities in Indian Smart Cities especially crime against women? | IIM Bangalore.
SAAR – Sameeksha Series
The Mission launched a platform in 2022, named ‘SAAR‘ (Smart Cities & Academia towards Action & Research), to bridge academia and government and document and research new urban initiatives.
Under the SAAR initiative, the Smart Cities Mission has initiated 50 Impact assessment research studies as the “Sameeksha Series.” Twenty-nine premier institutions of India have undertaken these 50 Impact Assessment studies, which include – 6 IIMs, 8 IITs, 3 SPAs, and 12 specialized research institutes. The Mission offered data and facilitated on-ground site visits to these institutions to document the learnings that could be bedrock for future urban development policies.
Brief – Smart Cities Mission
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Govt of India, launched the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on 25 June 2015. This Mission, with its focus on promoting cities that provide core infrastructure and give their citizens a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment, and the application of ‘Smart’ Solutions, stands as a unique and powerful urban experiment in modern India.
As of November 2024, 91% of the projects under SCM have been completed. The cities under SCM have brought forward several unique, innovative, and replicable projects/ models to cater to the local needs of residents. With the Mission nearing completion, it is imperative that impact assessment and documentation of these unique solutions be undertaken.
References & Related Articles:
- Press Information Bureau – Impact Assessment Studies on Smart Cities Mission
- The Hindu – An overview of the Smart Cities Mission | Explained
- The Hindu – Smart Cities Mission extended till March 2025
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