Model answer & approach
- How does smart city in India, address the issues of urban poverty and distributive justice? (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
The Smart Cities Mission (2015) seeks to make urban areas more livable, inclusive, and sustainable by integrating technology, infrastructure, and governance — indirectly addressing urban poverty and distributive justice.
Body
1. Inclusive Urban Planning: Focus on affordable housing, slum redevelopment, and basic services under schemes like PM Awas Yojana–Urban promotes spatial equity and dignified living for the poor.
2. Digital Governance and Access: E-governance platforms ensure transparency and accessibility of welfare services, empowering marginalized groups to claim entitlements efficiently.
3. Livelihood Opportunities: Smart cities generate local employment through skill training, IT-enabled services, construction, and urban infrastructure projects.
4. Equitable Resource Distribution: Smart utilities — such as 24×7 water supply, waste management, and public transport — enhance life quality across socio-economic groups.
Conclusion
By combining technology with social inclusion, India’s smart cities aim to reduce urban inequality and advance distributive justice through participatory and sustainable urban governance.
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