How does smart city in India address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (Answer in 150 words)

A smart city should use technology and better urban institutions not merely for efficiency, but to make services accessible, affordable and accountable to disadvantaged residents.

Pathways to inclusion

• Water, sanitation, affordable housing, public transport and reliable electricity reduce the poverty penalty of informal settlements.
• Digital service delivery, grievance platforms and open data can improve transparency and access to welfare.
• Transit-oriented planning, street lighting and universal design expand mobility and safety for women, workers and persons with disabilities.

Distributive justice

• Area-based development must be complemented by city-wide services; otherwise investment concentrates in already advantaged zones.
• Slum upgrading, tenure security, rental housing and livelihood spaces prevent displacement through beautification.
• Participatory budgeting and ward committees give low-income communities voice in priorities.

Critical condition

Technology can deepen exclusion through digital divides, surveillance and data errors. The mission therefore needs rights-based planning, offline access, social audits and measurable outcomes for the poorest rather than smart infrastructure alone.

Keywords: Smart Cities Mission, inclusion, slum upgrading, digital divide, participatory planning, distributive justice.