New Delhi, Aug 1 (IANS): Union minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said Rs.50,000 crore have been earmarked by the government to develop 100 smart cities in the country, adding that each selected city would get central assistance of Rs.100 crore per year for five years.

Naidu, the union urban development minister, was speaking at an international seminar on sustainable and inclusive urban development organised by NITI (National Institute for Transforming India) Aayog, the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and Department of Urban and Regional Planning of the University of Florida here.

"Special emphasis will be given to citizen participation while developing these smart cities. To recast the urban landscape of the country and make lives of urban people comfortable is the need of the hour."

He added: "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."

"Good urban life also requires housing, office space and good transportation. Biggest challenge in the country has been one of creating space for cities and availability of land," NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya said at the event.