Theme T57 · Indian Society

Smart cities, rural–urban integration & urban transport

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What UPSC asks

UPSC asks about Smart Cities Mission objectives, smart villages, rural-urban integration (PURA, RURBAN), and urban transport.

Prepare these

• Smart Cities Mission: area-based development, pan-city solutions
• PURA and Shyama Prasad Mukherji RURBAN Mission
• Rural-urban continuum

Answer writing

• Link to urban local governance (74th Amendment)

Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (1), Discuss (1), Comment (1).

Linked themes

Builds on: study these first

These come earlier in the roadmap. Questions in this theme use them.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS1-L7 — Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
• GS2-L10 — Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• GS3-L9 — Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• GS3-L10 — Investment models.

All 4 PYQs, newest first

1. GS12016GS1-SOC-05-M2016-S01

   With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.’

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2. GS32016GS3-ECO-07-M2016-S01

   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.

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3. GS12015GS1-SOC-05-M2015-S01

   Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration.

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4. GS22013GS2-GOV-01-M2013-S01

   The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment.

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