The Central government has included Thiruvananthapuram on the list of seven capital cities for the competition to be developed as smart cities. The city was not part of the list of the initial list of 98 cities to be developed as smart cities, in which Kochi was the only city selected from Kerala.
‘No communication yet’
“We are yet to receive the official communication regarding this. So, we are not sure how this competition will be judged or what all conditions we are supposed to satisfy. Still, this is a positive step. Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu’s office had also assured us of inclusion on the smart city list when we visited it a few months ago,” said Mayor V.K. Prasanth.
The seven capital cities, including Thiruvananthapuram, which were not included in the 100 cities shortlisted for the competition, will be able to participate in the next round of competitions.
In the first phase of selection, Thiruvananthapuram came second behind Kochi, when cities in the State were ranked on various performance parameters.
The exclusion of the city from the list had led to a huge uproar with the ruling Left Democratic Front in the city Corporation moving a resolution holding the State government responsible for the city losing out on the list.
The Centre will be granting Rs.500 crore per annum for each smart city for a period of five years.
Kochi only city selected from Kerala in Phase I
Each smart city will get Rs.500 crore per annum for five years
