What is the percentage change in allocation for the Smart Cities Mission in India from the Revised Estimates of 2023-24 to the Budget Estimates of 2024-25?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 05 Jun, 2025 Shift 2)

Answer 1

The correct answer is 70%.

Key Points

The Budget Estimates (BE) for the Smart Cities Mission in 2024-25 show a decrease of 70% compared to the Revised Estimates (RE) for 2023-24.
The Smart Cities Mission is a flagship program launched by the Government of India in 2015 to enhance urban infrastructure and development.
The reduction in allocation reflects the government’s reprioritization of urban development funding or the nearing completion of key projects under the mission.
The allocation adjustments are typically influenced by factors such as project progress, expenditure efficiency, and broader fiscal constraints.
For 2024-25, the focus may shift toward other urban infrastructure schemes or consolidation of ongoing Smart Cities projects.

Additional Information

Smart Cities Mission:
- Launched on 25 June 2015, the mission aims to promote sustainable and inclusive cities.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and has a target of developing 100 smart cities across the country.
- The focus areas include urban mobility, sanitation, energy efficiency, digital governance, and affordable housing.
Budget Estimates vs. Revised Estimates:
- Budget Estimates represent the initial allocation for a financial year.
- Revised Estimates reflect adjustments based on actual spending trends and fiscal priorities during the year.
- Changes between BE and RE indicate the government’s dynamic resource allocation strategy.
Challenges in Urban Development:
- Urban areas face issues such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, pollution, and resource constraints.
- Smart Cities aim to address these by leveraging technology, innovation, and sustainable practices.
Fiscal Management in India:
- The government balances funding across competing priorities such as health, education, defense, and infrastructure.
- Changes in allocation reflect efforts to optimize spending and improve project outcomes.