SHILLONG: After failing to make it to the ‘smart city’ list thrice, the State government is now planning to hire a new firm to ensure Shillong’s entry in the league.
Sources said the State government has cancelled its agreement and is now doing an in-house exercise to fine-tune the bid. “The government is also looking for central institutions to improve the bid,” the sources said but added that no decision has been taken yet in this regard.
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.
The State is also sceptical about the funding pattern 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 Union government.
Shillong was among the 23 cities and towns from various States and Union Territories which were given the opportunity to participate in the ‘Fast Track Competition’ under the Smart City Mission.
