“The high powered committee on smart city had sent the smart city proposal to the Cabinet for its approval. We have approved the project today,” Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Development Francis D’Souza said, addressing media persons on Friday.
The minister said the proposal was sent to the Union Ministry without Cabinet approval as it had to meet the December 15, 2015 deadline. “On the proposal a note was put that retrospective approval of the Cabinet would be given,” he said.
D’Souza said the proposal was drafted taking suggestions from nearly 19,619 people, which is almost half the Panjim population. “In the first year, the Union Ministry will sanction Rs 200 crore followed by Rs 100 crore each year for the next three years. The State has to contribute the same amount,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to announce the first 20 smart cities on Republic Day, January 26.
