What are ‘Smart Cities’? Examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (Not more than 200 words)

Urban development is best assessed through its developmental, institutional and implementation dimensions, with equity and resilience as the governing tests.

A Smart City uses integrated planning, data, technology and efficient infrastructure to improve services, sustainability and quality of life. The concept includes reliable water, sanitation, mobility, energy, e-governance and resilient public spaces—not technology alone.

Area-based development and pan-city solutions can demonstrate better transport, waste management, energy efficiency, surveillance with safeguards and responsive municipal administration. However, high capital costs, fragmented agencies, weak municipal capacity and exclusion of informal settlements can limit results.

Smart-city concentration may widen rural–urban differences if investment and talent are diverted from villages. Digital access, land values and service quality may become more unequal unless universal basic services and regional planning accompany it.

PURA envisaged urban amenities in rural areas through physical, electronic, knowledge and economic connectivity. The RURBAN Mission supports cluster-based rural growth. Smart villages should combine broadband, decentralised renewable energy, irrigation, health, schools, local enterprises and participatory governance.

Keywords: urbanisation; urban governance; Smart Cities Mission; PURA and RURBAN