Opposition Criticizes Slow Progress and Funding Cuts in Smart Cities Programme

Opposition parties have raised concerns over the slow progress and reduced funding of the Smart Cities programme. They also highlighted issues like the lack of metro projects in certain cities, delays in the PM Awas Yojana, and the need for increased funding for urban development and affordable housing.

Opposition parties on Wednesday criticized the slow pace of the Smart Cities programme, citing the progress as 'miniscule' and requesting increased funding for housing and urban development.

AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney highlighted that out of 100 announced Smart Cities, only 32 are completed while 68 still lag behind. The budget for these projects has been trimmed from Rs 8,000 crore to Rs 2,700 crore this year.

Concerns were also raised regarding the slow implementation of the PM Awas Yojana and the need for metro rail projects in traffic-heavy cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana. The discussion saw calls for immediate release of funds and improved focus on effective schemes that benefit the public.