The 74th Amendment, introduced in 1992, aimed to enhance the autonomy of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) by assigning them specific roles and responsibilities. This legislative change marked a significant step towards decentralization, positioning ULBs as pivotal institutions for self-governance. The amendment mandated the transfer of 18 functions from state governments to ULBs, intending to foster more efficient local governance.
According to the latest CAG report, 17 out of the 18 designated functions have been formally transferred by 18 states to ULBs. However, only four functions—management of burial grounds, provision of public amenities, prevention of cruelty to animals, and regulation of slaughterhouses—were handed over with complete autonomy. Critical functions like urban planning and slum rehabilitation have not seen effective devolution.
The CAG report sheds light on the gaps in compliance with the 74th Amendment. Despite the legislative framework, the devolution of autonomy, especially in urban planning and fiscal management, remains limited. Notable issues include:
Urban planning is vital as it influences city infrastructure, essential services, and public amenities. However, the CAG report highlights that civic bodies often remain sidelined in city planning processes, limiting their ability to enact long-term improvements.
The report points out a 42% gap between the revenue resources of ULBs and their expenditures, indicating a heavy dependence on governmental grants. This fiscal disparity hinders their capacity to independently manage local projects.
Currently, only five states—Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand—permit direct mayoral elections. Furthermore, only nine states ensure that a mayor's term aligns with the five-year tenure of the ULB, which is crucial for governance continuity and effective project execution.
Six states have implemented a 50% reservation for women in ULBs, aiming to enhance female participation in urban governance. Nonetheless, broader adoption of this measure is necessary to achieve significant gender representation.
The constrained devolution of powers hampers ULBs' effectiveness in managing urban services, addressing community needs, and promoting urban development. Without sufficient authority, financial backing, or human resources, ULBs find it challenging to operate as independent governance entities, thus undermining the goals of the 74th Amendment.
Quotation for Future Civil Servants: "Empowering local governance is the cornerstone of a truly representative democracy, fostering accountability and grassroots development."
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