The City and State of Winners: Indore and Madhya Pradesh Take the Cake in India’s Smart Cities Contest!

The Grand Reveal

Heads up, curious ones! This just in: If cities were students in a classroom, Indore just got an A+ on its report card! Yup, you heard that right. In the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC) of 2022, Indore has been named the teacher’s—um, we mean, India’s—favorite city! Oh, and Madhya Pradesh? It’s the “Class Monitor” of all Indian states in this big contest. 

A Look Back: The Story So Far

Now, what is this ISAC thing, you ask? It’s like a talent show but for cities! The Government says, “Hey cities, show us your smarts!” The contest started in 2018 and had three versions before this year’s. But last year? No show! The sneaky Covid-19 virus made everyone stay at home.

The Runner-Ups: Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Okay, let’s not forget the others who did a good job too. Surat and Agra stood second and third in the city race. Imagine them like silver and bronze medals in an Olympic race. For states? Tamil Nadu got the silver, while Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh shared the bronze. And let’s give a high-five to Chandigarh for being the top Union Territory!

How Did They Pick the Winners?

The ISAC had a two-level game. First was the “Qualifying Stage,” where they checked how smart a city is overall. Next was the “Proposal Stage,” where cities told the judges why they think they’re the smartest. Just like how you write a short essay on “Why I Should be the Class Monitor.”

The Numbers Game: Unveiling the Magic

Ready for some number fun? There were 845 plans sent in by 80 cities. That’s more plans than the number of ice cream flavors at your favorite ice cream shop! Finally, 66 winners were picked. They’re like the ultimate champions in a school sports day, but for city stuff.

What Makes a City Smart?

Think of a city as a big, complex toy set. A smart city has good roads, clean water, nice parks, and quick services. Kinda like a LEGO set with all the coolest pieces. Since 2015, the Smart Cities Mission has been working on making 100 cities smarter. They have finished 76% of their big plan, which is like being three-fourths done with your homework. The rest will be finished by June 2024.

Take-Home Lessons: Why This Matters

Being a smart city is not just about being techy. It’s about making everyone’s life better. Think about it like your classroom. A smart classroom is not just about having iPads; it’s also about being clean, friendly, and fun for everyone.

The Final Bell: The Awards Ceremony

The awards will be given by President Droupadi Murmu on September 27. Where, you ask? In Indore, the top city itself! It’s like having your birthday party at your own house because you’re the star!

Class Dismissed!

So, that’s the news, readers! Cities and states have been working hard to make life awesome for everyone. It’s just like how you work hard to get good grades. Maybe one day, your city will be the smartest of them all. Until then, let’s give a big cheer for Indore and Madhya Pradesh!

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