Visakhapatnam: Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said the selection of Smart Cities was done in a transparent manner.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Monday, Mr. Naidu said that by conducting the IFR in a grand manner, the brand image of Vizag city has gone a notch higher.
“Some political forces are spreading rumours that we systematically sidelined some cities from the list of Smart Cities. The list was finalised only after assessing the cities’ credibility and ability. We would include the remaining cities in the Smart Cities Mission in the next list,” said Mr. Naidu.
“The Union government will not get involved in the development of any cities chosen. We only guide the cities in attaining better infrastructure, IT component and e-governance. Bills such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Real Estate (Regulation and Development) would be tabled and passed in the next Parliament session,” said Mr. Naidu.
Mr. Naidu also opined that Vizag, in the future, would emerge as a world-class city.
“A record number of delegates from various countries attended the IFR. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were pleased with the way the IFR was conducted in Visakhapat-nam. The city has a bright future.”
