The Millennium City happens to be one of the largest contributors to the state revenue in Haryana. Yet, Gurgaon, the hub of multinationals, was left behind in smart city challenge.
However, in what has emerged as a ray of hope for those batting for Gurgaon to be included in the smart city list, Central Urban Development Minister Venkiah Naidu said talks were on for the same.
Naidu, who was in Faridabad on Sunday to attend Modi’s Gati Pragati rally, lauded Haryana for its development and congratulated it for getting two smart cities and one in waiting.
“Though a small state, Haryana has achieved appreciable height in development. With the latest smart city endeavor, Haryana is the proud home to two smart cities— Karnal and Faridabad— and talks are on to include Gurgaon,” Naidu said
Meanwhile, Union Minister and MP Rao Inderjit Singh openly expressed his disagreement towards Gurgaon nit being included in the smart city list and wrote to the Prime Minister to reconsider Gurgaon’s non-inclusion highlighting its importance to the state.
Ever since then the Opposition has been opposing government’s decision, while Rao has been insisting that the selection of smart cities is done in phases and there are chances that Gurgaon may get an opportunity to prove its mettle.
Naidu’s declaration on Sunday has not only endorsed Rao’s claims but have also come as a huge respite for CM Manohar Lal Khattar who has been facing ire from various quarters for choosing his home constituency over Gurgaon despite its merits.
Gurgaon was not included in the list due to poor implementation of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme.