Context: 

Recently, the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM B) concluded two studies under the SAAR - Sameeksha Series of the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), focusing on improvements in education and women's safety.

Key findings of the studies:

1. Quality of Education through Smart Classrooms:

• It evaluated the impact of smart classrooms on education quality in 71 cities, where 9,433 smart classrooms were established in 2,398 government schools.
• A 22% increase in overall school enrollment from 2015-16 to 2023-24, particularly among economically weaker sections.
• Development of digital libraries with a seating capacity of 7,809 across 41 cities, significantly benefiting students in cities like Raipur and Tumakuru.
• Training for teachers improved their comfort and preference for using smart classroom facilities, with senior secondary teachers showing the highest comfort levels, as compared with others.
• Smart solutions in government schools and public libraries have facilitated inclusive access to smart education for economically disadvantaged groups.

2.Urban Safety and Real-Time Crime Tracking: 

• It assessed the impact of surveillance systems on urban safety, focusing on crime prevention, particularly against women. 
• Over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes have been installed across 93 Smart Cities.
• Real-time monitoring through Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) has contributed to reduced incidents of harassment, assault, and a safer urban environment for women.
• Integration of surveillance systems with police operations has improved evidence-based policing nationwide.
• Nagpur saw a 14% decline in overall crime rates after implementing surveillance measures

About SAAR – Sameeksha Series:

• SAAR (Smart Cities & Academia Towards Action & Research) was launched in 2022 to bridge academia and government efforts in documenting and researching innovative urban initiatives.
• Under SAAR, the Smart Cities Mission initiated 50 Impact Assessment Studies as part of the "Sameeksha Series."
• 29 premier Indian institutions got involved in these studies, including 6 IIMs, 8 IITs, 3 SPAs, and 12 specialized research institutes.
• The mission provided data and arranged site visits for these institutions to document lessons that could guide future urban development policies.