Municipal Corporation

The Gujarat cabinet approved the conversion of nine municipalities into municipal corporations, taking the total number of civic bodies in the state to 17.

What is a Municipal Corporation?

• A Municipal Corporation is a local self-government body responsible for managing urban areas, particularly cities with large populations, typically over one million. It is tasked with providing essential community services and city planning in metropolitan areas.
  • The British first established Municipal Corporations in Madras (1688), followed by Bombay and Calcutta (1726). In India, it is known by different names, such as Nagar Nigam, Mahanagar Palika, and others depending on the state.
• Structure & Functions:
  • The Municipal Corporation is made up of various departments to serve community needs, such as water supply, sewage disposal, healthcare, education, housing, and public safety.
  • The Mayor serves as the ceremonial head, while the Municipal Commissioner holds executive and administrative powers.
  • The Corporation is mainly funded by property taxes and grants from the state government.
• Constitutional Provision: The Constitution of India introduced local self-governance through Article 40 of the Directive Principles of State Policy. The 74th Amendment Act, 1992, mandated the formation of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
  • The Amendment added Part IX-A to the Constitution, covering the creation and functioning of municipalities, with specific provisions for Municipal Corporations from Articles 243P to 243ZG.
• Composition & Authority:
  • The composition and division of the Municipal Corporation are decided by the State Legislature.
  • The city is divided into wards, each represented by an elected member who serves for five years.
  • The Mayor is elected by the State law, while the Municipal Commissioner is responsible for the executive functions.
  • Reserved seats are available for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and disadvantaged classes.
• Authorities of the Municipal Corporation:
  • Municipal Council: The legislative body made up of members elected by the people. The Mayor heads this council.
  • Standing Committee: It helps in the functioning of the Municipal Council, with specific committees handling different matters like health, education, taxation, etc.
  • Municipal Commissioner: The chief executive officer responsible for executing decisions made by the council and standing committees. This post is typically held by an IAS officer and is appointed by the State Legislature.
• Qualifications for Membership:
  • Citizens above 21 years of age.
  • Must be registered on the electoral roll.
  • Cannot be disqualified from contesting municipal elections.
• Elections: Municipal Corporation elections are held every five years and are overseen by the State Election Commission, as per Article 243K of the Constitution. The Corporation can be dissolved if it fails to perform its duties, misuses power, or if elections are declared void.