Goa Cabinet Approves New Role for Smart City SPV
The restructured corporation will come directly under the Finance Department and receive grant-in-aid support. The arrangement is intended to use the institutional capacity, trained manpower and project management systems developed during the Smart Cities Mission. The decision will also allow the state to retain an established structure for future urban infrastructure work.
Since its formation, IPSCDL has undertaken 51 projects in Panaji through the Smart Cities Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and other government schemes. Several projects have been completed, while others are in their final stages, according to the Cabinet decision. The government has decided to use the experience gained through these projects for a wider mandate.
Under the expanded role, the SPV will assist the state government, municipalities and other departments with project implementation, planning and innovation. Its technical capabilities include procurement, contract management, technical operations, and operations and maintenance, areas that the government intends to use for future projects across the state.
The new structure is also designed to reduce reliance on ad hoc project arrangements and external consultants by deploying the corporation’s existing workforce and expertise. Grants will be provided for a few years to support the transition and sustainable operations as the agency takes on responsibilities beyond Panaji.
The restructuring is expected to create a multi-functional urban development agency for urban areas across Goa. It could provide a dedicated institutional mechanism for municipal infrastructure and other development initiatives, while extending the Smart City corporation’s role beyond its original city-focused mandate.