A recent study by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) highlights the positive impact of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) on education and safety in Indian cities. The report, conducted under the SAAR (Smart Cities & Academia towards Action & Research) initiative, showcases significant improvements in both areas. A press release on these studies was issued by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs on December 27, 2024.
Smart Classrooms Bridge the Gap
71 cities have developed a total of 9,433 smart classrooms across 2,398 government schools, leading to a reported 22% increase in overall enrollment according to data from 19 cities between 2015-16 and 2023-24.
41 cities have established digital libraries with a total seating capacity of 7,809, providing students with essential educational resources and supporting their competitive exam preparations.
Teachers report increased comfort using smart classrooms, which in turn, has positively impacted student learning experiences and attendance across select Smart Cities.
Smart classrooms and digital libraries have facilitated easier access to modern education for underprivileged students.
Enhanced Safety for Women
Nagpur witnessed a notable 14% decline in overall crime rates after implementing security measures like real-time tracking.
Over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes have been installed across 93 Smart Cities, with real-time monitoring through Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs).
Integration of surveillance systems with police operations fosters evidence-based investigation and crime resolution.
Women in Chennai, Nagpur, and Tumakuru report feeling safer in public spaces due to the implementation of robust safety measures, including smart lighting and panic buttons.
SAAR Initiative: Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Government
Launched in 2022, the Smart Cities Mission’s SAAR initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and government. This initiative facilitated 50 impact assessment studies conducted by 29 leading Indian institutions, including 6 IIMs, 8 IITs, and specialized research institutes.
The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, aims to develop cities that offer core infrastructure, high living standards, and sustainable practices. With 91% of projects completed as of November 2024, the mission has led to numerous innovative and replicable solutions for urban development across India.
