What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.

A 'Smart City' uses technology, data and citizen-centric governance to deliver efficient infrastructure and a high quality of life sustainably. India's Smart Cities Mission (2015) selected 100 cities for area-based redevelopment and pan-city technology solutions.

Relevance for urban development

• They address the strain of rapid urbanisation on housing, water, transport and waste through smart, resource-efficient systems.
• ICT-based e-governance, integrated command-and-control centres and improved service delivery raise transparency and liveability.
• As engines of GDP and employment, well-run cities attract investment and drive economic growth.

Risk of widening rural-urban differences

Concentrating capital and talent in a few cities can deepen regional imbalance, accelerate distress migration and leave villages underserved, worsening the rural-urban divide.

Case for Smart Villages

• PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas), inspired by Dr Kalam, sought to bring physical, electronic, economic and knowledge connectivity to rural clusters.
• The Shyama Prasad Mukherji RURBAN Mission develops 'rurban' clusters that retain rural character while adding urban amenities and livelihoods.

Conclusion

Smart Cities and Smart Villages are complementary. Pairing urban modernisation with cluster-based rural development ensures balanced, inclusive growth rather than a widening divide.