Union Urban Development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Thurday said there is a huge global interest in India's Smart City mission and companies from 14 countries like US, Canada, UK, France, Japan have been selected for preparation of Smart City plans for 42 mission cities. <br/><br/>Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Mr Naidu said that 88 Mission Cities have chosen consultants to assist them in preparation for their smart city plans. <br/><br/>He said the mission has generated much interest abroad and companies from 14 countries including US, Canada, United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Abu Dhabi have been selected for preparation of city level Smart City Plans for 42 of the Mission cities. <br/><br/>Mr Naidu said that it is for the first time in our country, the cities are being selected based on competition under an urban development mission. <br/><br/>He said the Prime Minister wants these capable cities to act as light houses for others to follow in due course for ensuring good quality of urban life. <br/><br/>Naidu said that his ministry has given time till December 15 this year to urban local bodies to submit their city level Smart City Plans which will then be evaluated in the second stage of City Challenge Competition for picking up the first batch of 20 cities based on rankings for financing during this financial year. <br/><br/>He said that the Real Estate Regulation Bill which has received the nod from the Parliament Select Committee will be posed to the Cabinet shortly and it could be tabled in the next session of Parliament.