3rd March 2025 (12 Topics)
Haryana Municipal Elections
Context
In Haryana, elections to various Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipalities of the state were conducted peacefully.
Evolution of Municipal Governance in India
- Municipal governance in India dates back to the 17th century when local administration was first established.
- 1664: The first municipality was set up in Fort Kochi by the Dutch.
- 1687: Madras Municipal Corporation was established under British rule.
- 1726: Calcutta and Bombay Municipal Corporations were formed.
- By the 1800s, most towns had some form of municipal governance.
- Post-Independence Reforms: After 1947, India focused on strengthening local self-governance. Several committees were set up to improve urban governance.
- The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: This was a landmark reform that provided a constitutional framework for urban local bodies. Key features:
- It gave constitutional status to municipalities.
- It defined their structure, powers, and responsibilities.
- It ensured democratic participation at the grassroots level.
- It empowered local governments in urban planning and development.
- Thus, India moved from colonial administrative control to a structured system of local self-governance.
- Local Government is a State subject figuring as item 5 in List II of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Article 243 G of the Indian Constitution enshrines the basic principle for devolution of power to the Local Bodies.
Current Structure of Municipal Governance in India
- Municipal governance is divided into three categories based on the population size:
|
Type of Local Body |
Population |
Key Responsibilities |
|
Municipal Corporations |
Above 1 million |
Urban planning, waste management, water supply, etc. |
|
Municipal Councils |
Smaller towns |
Local services, community development |
|
Nagar Panchayats |
Transitioning from rural to urban |
Basic governance, infrastructure |
|
||
- Roles of Key Officials
- Mayor: Elected head of the Municipal Corporation.
- Municipal Commissioner: Appointed by the state government, responsible for administration.
- Councillors: Elected representatives from different city wards.
- Chairperson (Municipal Council/Nagar Panchayat): Heads smaller urban bodies.
- Each local body is responsible for ensuring smooth administration and service delivery.
- Financial Management: Municipal bodies require funds to provide public services. Their revenue sources include: Property Tax, Water Supply Charges, Advertisement Tax, Trade License.
PYQQ. The fundamental object of the Panchayati Raj system is to ensure which among the following? (2015)
Select the correct answer using the code given below
Solution: (c) Q. Local self-government can be best explained as an exercise in (2017)
Solution: (b) Q. The 73rd Constitution Amendment Act, 1992 refers to the (2000)
Solution: (c) Q. A college student desires to get elected to the Municipal Council of his city. The validity of his nomination would depend on the important condition, among others, that (2000)
Solution: (c) Q. Discuss the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission which have been a departure from the previous commissions for strengthening the local government finances. (2013) |
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