MP

MADHVENDRA PRATAP SINGHAIR 153· 2025

Question Q.12GS2GS2

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

Open scan (p.22)

Main Body

"Local self-government are the bedrock of democracy. They are the training grounds for citizens and nursery of democracy." - Lord Ripon (Father of local self-government in India) ULBs are pivotal to inclusive and efficient urban governance: 1) Cater to growing needs: as per NIT Aayog, India's urban population will reach 50% by 2050. 2) Respond to emergencies and disasters (eg.) Role of TMC's Chennai Municipal Corporation during Chennai Floods 2015. 3) Provision of essential basic facilities to citizens (eg.) Public toilets, Urban food and shelter drives for poor 4) Role in developmentInfrastructure creationTransport facilities (eg.) 240 km DT Metro Rail lines have been laid across country PTB 5) Accessibility to welfare schemes and development initiatives (eg.) NFGA, FDS shops, Ramps, lifts for disabled. But they remain: A Fiscally Constrained: 1) Revenue Tax ratio = 0.15% of GDP (1% for OECD nations) 2) As per IOP, 1 & end Bn) is used for ULBs by 2030 in India 3) lack of accountability from CFCs, delayed submissions, vacancies etc. B Institutionally weak: 1) 37% vacancies (NIT Aayog Report) in ULBs 2) lack of devolution of subject (eg.) only 3 subject devolved to BMC. 3) Political Influence 4) Indirectly elected Mayor Way Ahead: 1) 2nd ARC: directly elected Mayor 2) RBI Report: 10% of estimate revenue collection devoted to ULBs. 3) Municipal bonds. Moreover People's Plan campaign of Kerala can be a best practice to achieve BDCs-II.
238 words1 paragraphs

Conclusion

Moreover People's Plan campaign of Kerala can be a best practice to achieve BDCs-II.

14 words

Topper

MADHVENDRA PRATAP SINGH

AIR 1532025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Federal Structure - Functions, Responsibilities, Devolution of Powers and Finances

Local Self Government

Urban Local Bodies

Writing Stats

252

Total words

1

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone