Engaging citizen is especially important in an Indian context because there have already been several striking examples of failed urban redevelopments that have blatantly lacked any type of community consultation or participation. Citizen participation ensures citizen satisfaction, which in turn ensures maximum efficiency of the proposed technology. Good governance is always measured by the extent to which it involves its citizens in the overall decision-making process. Municipal Corporation Bihar Sharif widespread citizens engagement initiatives through online and offline communication media to get feedback and citizens participation. The key initiatives included:

• Facebook Platform
Daily update and share on https://www.facebook.com/BiharSharifSmartCity to create awareness and enhance publicity about smart city project. Citizen can give feedback and share the page.

• Twitter Platform
Twitter account @smartcitybihar handle the latest update and information about smart city projects . citizen twits bring notice towards existence of any gap.

• YouTube Platform
YouTube account Bihar Sharif Smart City exist where Video of Municipal Commissioner and Mayor uploaded for inviting citizens to participate in MyGov voting and other smart city activities.

• Google+ Platform
Google+ account Bihar Sharif Smart City exist where citizen can check the daily update and information about smart city project.

Offline Activities

a) Presentation about MyGov and other Smart City activities in schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stand, railway station and other public are to ensure increase awareness about citizen engagement.
b) Community meeting with members of IMA, Rotary Club, Worker union, Shopkeeper union, Street Vendor union, public representatives, NGOs, Senior Citizen etc and pen down there suggestions.
c) Prizes were awarded for various competitions like essay writing, logo designing of the Bihar Sharif Smart City.

In a bid together the opinion of the people this is an open discussion where the citizens of Bihar Sharif and nearby area are requested to give their suggestions on draft Smart City Round – III Proposal prepared for Bihar Sharif through widespread citizen engagement activities.

Click here to read the Smart City Presentation.

In this increasingly complex world, citizens inputs are a critical resource for policy making. Good decision making requires the knowledge, experiences, views and values of the public.