Question Q.14Enumerate, suggestGS2GS2

Despite constitutional backing, urban planning and governance have given limited dividends on the ground. Enumerating the reasons for the same, suggest measures to ameliorate the situation.

Introduction

74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991 gave constitutional backing to urban planning and governance by adding schedule 12 to Indian constitution which includes 18 subject of planning & governance with powers given to municipalties subject to state will. Despite these provisions the results are not in proportion and only limited success -

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Main Body

as - 1. Urban planning is not upto future needs (Population - 2 times by 2050) 2. governance is marked by inefficiencies -> poor provision of services as- Roads, housing, water etc 3. financial performance also questionable Reasons for these limited success 1. Municipalties lack financial autonomy - - Depend upon state for financial resources. - State don't allocate sufficient funds - SFC is not formed periodically.

2Lack of devolution of functions - State feel shy in delegating powers to municipality eg - subject like road etc not in its purview 3) Para-statal body - they hijack the functioning of municipality eg - Delhi Jal Board. 4) Elite capture of power - These bodies are overwhelmed by MPs, MLAs. 5) Lack of dedicated & trained manpower - It affects its efficient functioning. 6) Bureaucratic hyjack of functioning - elected members don't get to have a say in crucial decisions. 7) State apathy - as - lack of timely elections - dissolving before stipulated time 8) Poor resources of own - as poor civic tax collection, property tax collection is meagre Measures to ameliorate 1. Devolution of functions & finances by states - - SFC regularly formed and recommendation are followed

2Tap into municipalties own resources - eg - Pune Municipality, Lucknow Municipality floated municipal bonds. - Survey of property - explore civic fines. 3) Dedicated cadre to address Human resources issue - as - Rajasthan has a dedicated cadre. 4) ARC-II - suggest abolishing para-statal bodies and also ending MLA & MP Local area development fund. LADS. 5) Capacity building of Municipalties - Through use of ICT while experts can communicate. - push for research & development to come up with solutions to challenges Urban areas are facing - as - clean water, pollution etc. 6) Establish a city economic council to further improve financial aspect

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Conclusion

Municipalties serve as a vital unit of governance, their efficient functioning will help facilitate democracy at grass root level.

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Open original scan

Page 32

Topper

Utkarsh Pathak

AIR 1792025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

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

Local Self Government

Urban Planning and Governance

Writing Stats

378

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical, point-wise

Tone