Government has unveiled India Smart Cities Awards Contest 2017 with a total prize money of over 50 lakhs rupees. In a release Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs said, the Contest is aimed at recognizing and rewarding cities, projects and innovative ideas that promote the goals of the Smart City Mission including enhancement in quality of life of citizens. Evaluation criteria include impact, innovation and scalability and replicability in other areas of the city. All projects that will be completed by April 1, 2018 will be eligible for participating in the context. Awards will be presented on June 25 next year marking the third anniversary of the launch of Smart City Mission. Under the Project Awards category, excellence will be recognized and awarded in seven areas improving Governance, quality of Built Environment, Social Infrastructue, Culture and Economy, Environment, Transportation and Mobility and Water and Sanitation. <br/> <br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Smart City Mission on June this year and ninety cities have so far been identified through three rounds of competition for implementing smart city plans. A total investment of 1.91 lakh crore rupees has been proposed by these 90 cities.