IMC begins its conference on 'Smart Cities'; aims at effective, transparent financing policies

IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Wednesday convened its first International conference on "Smart Cities - Reimagining Urban Spaces and Financing in Delhi.

The conference was inaugurated by Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha along with other speakers like Stephen Yarwood, Ex-Mayor, City of Adelaide, Antony Vives, Ex vice Mayor, City of Barcelona, Tim Jones, ? Lluis Gomez, International Director also spoke and gave examples of development in global cities.

"The aim is to complete planned projects in the stipulated period of time to avoid delays. With clear corporate governance, we can reassure investors to finance clean operating companies. Going forward, we aim to have more effective, innovative and transparent financing policies," said Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha.

The panelists deliberated on the key factors which would enable India to achieve tomorrow's vision of reimagining urban spaces and financing by enhancing competitiveness. India's population that comprises of 1.34 billion, of which only 31 percent is urbanized as compared to most countries who have a urban population of about 80 percent.

While we are in the process of developing the nation's economy fueled with the government initiatives like Urban mission for Smart Cities, Make in India, Digital India to name a few, the recent challenges faced by India are pollution in terms of our health, lack of financial support from the government, rural rehabilitation are just a few to mention.

The ministry of aviation and the Niti Aayog are making forays into the infrastructure development for all sectors especially rural and semi urban sectors. Today, India is a two trillion dollar economy where airports play a major role, such as the major metro cities like IGI Delhi Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport Bangaluru are key gateways to the country and outside.

By 2020 India will become among the top destinations in the world. To put things in perspective, the Ministry of Aviation is enhancing mega urban clusters in the country. In addition, the main focus is on bringing all resources to secure the main agenda and achieving mass public mobility at affordable costs.

Smart Cities are the government's aim to urbanize India and bring financial support to the rural populace of the country. What matters is how cities are governed and managed. And, going forward with the help of government initiatives, India will tap its potential and establish truly world-class smart cities.