Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance, yet they remain fiscally constrained and institutionally weak. Analyze.

"A nation is as strong as it is state" And the state is as strong as it's local bodies. Principle of subsidiarity was reestablished in 74th amendment act (1992)

Urban local bodies yet face (fiscal), (functional) and (functional) problems - a due

Fiscal problems:

1. Inadequate revenue

Only 1-5% of revenue from own tax collection, most of it from state/central grants.

2. Tied grants is central sector scheme reduces fiscal capacity

3. Lack of fiscal devolution - a state have disbursed

full revenue to ULBs (CAG report)

Institutionally weak:

1. Delayed elections to ULB

2. Chandigarh election fraud

3. No uniform standards across the states for ULBs.

4. Functionaries - politicised and not based on merit

5. West Bengal Mayor election violence his parties

6. Untrained staff - urban planning not taught to officials (German model)

ULBs fiscal revival - the people

Interventions needed:

Institutional:

1. Activity mapping (CAD/APC)

2. Training & official within PM model (Custom Ahmedabad & Nashera ULB)

3. Standard SOP's and accountability

4. Bengaluru citizen report card

Fiscal growth:

1. Municipal Bond market to be developed

2. Indore

3. Increase revenue with property tax (land assessment)

4. CSR funds for cities

Myasm declaration principles along with SRA ARC recommendations are needed is ensure sustainable cities (CSDA-1 I)