All Things Policy The State of Urban Local Governance in India
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Jul 16, 2025 Vachana V.R., Head of Municipal Law and Policy at Janaagraha, discusses the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 and its impact on urban governance in India. They delve into the challenges of functional devolution and fiscal empowerment faced by local governments over the last three decades. Vachana highlights issues like unstable mayoral tenures, financial dependence on external grants, and the necessity for robust training for officials. They also explore successful case studies and the importance of decentralization and citizen engagement to improve urban governance.
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Limited Function Devolution
- Urban local governments perform only four of the 18 mandated functions effectively.
- Vital services like urban planning and water supply are controlled by unaccountable parastatals.
Urban Local Governments Perceived Weak
- Many elected candidates promise functions under urban local governments but these bodies lack autonomy.
- Low municipal election turnout reflects citizens' view of weak urban local bodies.
Accountability Fragmentation
- Parastatals are not inherently problematic but must be accountable to urban local governments.
- Current fragmentation undermines the mayor's authority and accountability to citizens.