Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that 50,000 crore rupees have been earmarked by the government to develop 100 smart cities in the country. He was speaking at an international seminar in New Delhi today. Mr Naidu said, under the Smart Cities Mission, each selected city would get central assistance of 100 crore rupees per year for five years.<br/><br/>The Minister said, special emphasis will be given to citizen participation while developing these smart cities. He said, to recast the urban landscape of the country and make lives of urban people comfortable is the need of the hour.<br/><br/>Mr Naidu said, sustainable and inclusive urban development is the main focus of the government and there is a need to go for reforms in a big way.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya said, good urban life also requires housing, office space and good transportation. He said biggest challenge in the country has been one of creating space for cities and availability of land.