Municipal corporations, municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats

1. Introduction

  1. The 74th Amendment Act, enacted in 1992, provides a constitutional framework for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
  2. Introduced Part IXA in the Constitution, covering Articles 243P to 243ZG.
  3. Aimed to ensure democratic decentralization in urban governance.

2. Types of Urban Local Bodies

  1. Municipal Corporations: Established in larger cities with a population exceeding one million.
  2. Municipalities: Set up in smaller urban areas or towns.
  3. Nagar Panchayats: Serve transitional areas moving from rural to urban status.

3. Structure

  1. Each ULB consists of elected representatives called councillors.
  2. The chairperson heads the body, with administrative functions managed by a Municipal Commissioner or Chief Officer.
  3. Reservation of seats for women, Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure inclusivity.

4. Powers and Functions

  1. Urban planning, including town planning and land use regulation.
  2. Provision of essential services like water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management.
  3. Implementation of social welfare programs related to education and healthcare.
  4. Development of urban infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, and parks.
  5. Collection of taxes like property tax and user charges for revenue generation.

5. Municipal Corporations

  1. Governed by an elected body, including a Mayor and Corporators.
  2. Handle complex urban issues in metropolitan areas.
  3. Key examples: Delhi Municipal Corporation, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

6. Municipalities

  1. Govern urban areas not large enough for a corporation.
  2. Headed by a Chairperson, with councillors elected by local residents.
  3. Focuses on providing basic services and maintaining public amenities.

7. Nagar Panchayats

  1. Established in areas transitioning from rural to urban.
  2. Acts as an intermediary body, addressing the needs of smaller urban settlements.
  3. Ensures smooth development of infrastructure and services.

8. Key Features

  1. Mandates regular elections for ULBs.
  2. Provides for the establishment of State Election Commissions to oversee elections.
  3. Empowers ULBs with financial autonomy through State Finance Commissions.
  4. Allows for the formation of Metropolitan Planning Committees for coordinated development.

9. Challenges

  1. Lack of adequate financial resources for urban local bodies.
  2. Overlapping functions with state and central governments, causing inefficiencies.
  3. Poor implementation of urban planning and development programs.
  4. Issues with accountability and transparency in governance.

10. Significance

  1. Strengthens local self-governance in urban areas.
  2. Enables people's participation in decision-making and development.
  3. Addresses urbanization challenges effectively through decentralized governance.
  4. Promotes inclusive growth and sustainable urban development.

11. Conclusion

The 74th Amendment has played a transformative role in urban governance, empowering local bodies to address the challenges of urbanization. Strengthening financial and administrative capabilities, along with improving citizen engagement, can enhance the effectiveness of urban local bodies in realizing their objectives.

Category
Urban Local Bodies (74th Amendment)
Local Governance
Indian Polity and Governance
Which amendment introduced the concept of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the Constitution?
What are the three types of Urban Local Bodies as defined by the 74th Amendment?
Under which part of the Constitution are the provisions of Urban Local Bodies included?
What is the primary function of a Municipal Corporation?
Who is the executive head of a Municipal Corporation?
A Nagar Panchayat is established for which type of areas?
How are the members of a Municipality elected?
What is the term of an Urban Local Body?
What is the role of the Mayor in a Municipal Corporation?
Which article of the Constitution deals with the composition of Urban Local Bodies?
What is the main source of revenue for Urban Local Bodies?
Which body conducts elections to Urban Local Bodies?
What is the primary responsibility of a Municipality?
What is the composition of a Ward Committee in urban governance?
What is the significance of the 74th Amendment?
Which committee's recommendations led to the introduction of the 74th Amendment?
What is the difference between a Municipal Corporation and a Municipality?
What is the role of a Standing Committee in a Municipal Corporation?
Under the 74th Amendment, which institution ensures financial accountability of Urban Local Bodies?
What is the minimum age to contest municipal elections?
The Mayor of a Municipal Corporation is generally elected by whom?
What is the primary role of the Nagar Panchayat?
Which level of government has the power to legislate on Urban Local Bodies?
What is the primary aim of the 74th Amendment?
Which type of Urban Local Body is responsible for governance in a city with a population over 1 million?
The Town Planning Committee in a Municipal Corporation is responsible for what?
What is the role of the Ward Councillor in a Municipality?
Who appoints the State Election Commission for Urban Local Bodies?
Which body is responsible for auditing the accounts of Urban Local Bodies?
What is the role of the District Planning Committee under the 74th Amendment?
Which provision ensures reservation for women in Urban Local Bodies?
How are disputes in Urban Local Body elections resolved?
What is the primary challenge faced by Urban Local Bodies?
Which constitutional amendment made planning mandatory for Urban Local Bodies?