In the midst of uncertainty regarding the possibility of receiving a further extension, the Indore Smart City Development Corporation (ISCDL) has proactively identified key areas for focused efforts over the next year. These efforts aim to provide consultancy services, thereby contributing to the retention of their status as winners of the National Smart City Award.Senior officials from ISCDL have shared that the central government had established the smart city corporation in various selected cities, including Indore. Each city was allocated a budget of Rs 10 billion for a period of five years, up until March 2023. The purpose of this allocation was to foster innovative ideas and initiatives for the development of these cities. Indore, having been recognised as the joint winner alongside Surat in the previous year, achieved distinction in the National Smart City Award by securing first and second positions across six out of a total of twelve categories in the competition.The India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC 2022) is scheduled for September 27, spanning two days. During this event, ISCDL and the other winning cities will be honored with awards presented by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu.Meanwhile, ISCDL has proactively identified key areas in which it plans to take innovative initiatives. This strategic approach is geared towards achieving the highest scores possible in relevant categories for the upcoming year's contest. The goal is to uphold and sustain their position as recipients of the National Smart City Award.Divulging further details, CEO Divyank Singh mentioned that the original five-year term for ISCDL concluded in March of the current year. However, all smart cities, including ISCDL, were granted a one-year extension to finalise pending projects. Divyank Singh clarified that ISCDL still possesses approximately Rs 800 million in funds, earmarked for the completion of ongoing projects by March of the following year.Presently, ISCDL is overseeing a total of 34 financially pending projects, in addition to 24 projects that are pending in terms of physical implementation. Addressing these projects will necessitate an additional fund of around Rs 500 million, as outlined by the CEO.Furthermore, operating as a specialised entity (Special Purpose Vehicle or SPV), ISCDL has embarked on a trajectory of offering project management consultancy (PMC). This consultancy extends to the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and other municipalities, facilitating the uptake and successful execution of innovative ideas.