(ET)
The Centre has begun groundwork to deliver a major poll promise — 100 innovation zones across India. The innovation centres would be linked to Smart City Mission of Modi 1.0. The first 100 cities chosen through a competitive process would house one innovation centre each.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has entrusted the spadework to Niti Aayog, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ministry of Skill Development and and Entrepreneurship.
According to officials involved in the groundwork, the innovation centres would be used as tinkering laboratories to solve urban issues, including traffic congestion, mosquito breeding, stray dog menace or pollution due to local industries. A team of officials has been asked to see the best cities which would be best suited to launch at least 10 innovation centres.
