Govt gets ready for 4th smart city bid

SHILLONG: The State Government, which has not given up on its smart city dream, is once again working on its plans to make an updated bid for the project.
Officials said the Government is updating its plans with new components and the process of consultation and necessary review are on.
According to the officials, the Government will resubmit its proposal to the Centre in March.
“The updated plan will also be put up in the public domain for suggestions and views,” the officials said.
Shillong could not qualify for the smart city project on three occasions. The upcoming shortlist, the announcement date for which is not known, will be the final one and if Shillong cannot qualify, its dream to have a smart city will be over.
The State is sceptical about the funding of the project and had earlier made it clear that it would not be possible for it to take up the smart city project unless it is made 90:10. The matter was also taken up with the Centre.
Shillong was among the 23 cities and towns from among various States and Union Territories which were given the opportunity to participate in the ‘Fast Track Competition’ under the Smart City Mission.