Low income groups ignored in Smart City project: CPI leaders

“Low income groups have no space in all the discourse about the Smart City project. They have been completely ignored,” read a statement released by the Communist Party of India. The project basically highlights beautification of the city, ignoring the basic needs of various sections of the society, it read further.

The internationally accepted definition of a Smart City is an “urban area that leverages technology and data to improve the quality of life for its citizens, enhance sustainability, and optimise city operations, encompassing various aspects of urban development like transportation, infrastructure, and citizen services”, CPI leader MP Bhatia said, adding that the city should cater to the needs of all categories of citizens. In Ludhiana, a large number of workers are forced to live in shanty areas which completely lack civic amenities required for a decent basic human living.

Bhatia alleged that there was no discussion pertaining to building houses for these people. Earlier, governments used to take the responsibility of making housing for low income groups, but now they are dependent on private players who exploit them to the core.

Even the situation of water supply and sanitation is dismal in the areas inhabited by low income groups. With garbage lying here and there, solid waste management is in a bad shape. The condition of roads is not good for vehicles and traffic management is poor. Quality health and education are getting out of reach for the low income groups. Super speciality services should be made available in the state sector as people belonging to low income groups are unable to afford them in the private sector. All schools under the state government should be modernised. Area schools should be ensured. Hygiene should be ensured for eatables, asserted comrades DP Maur.

The Smart City project should not be equated with beautification. It should fulfil the needs of all sections of the society. The whole concept of a smart city needs to be reviewed, stated CPI leader Arun Mitra.