Municipalities

Constitutional Status of Municipalities

• Part IX-A of the Constitution provides the constitutional framework for Urban Local Self-Government.
• Introduced through the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.
• Effective Date: 1 June 1993.

Similarity with Panchayats

Most provisions relating to Municipalities are similar to those of Panchayats (Part IX), including:

• • Structure
  • Reservation of Seats
  • Tenure
  • Functions
  • Financial Powers
  • Election Process

Types of Municipal Bodies

Nagar Panchayat

• Constituted for an area transitioning from a Rural Area to an Urban Area.

Municipal Council (Municipality)

• Established for a Smaller Urban Area.

Municipal Corporation

• Constituted for a Larger Urban Area.
• It is the highest Urban Local Body in the municipal administration.

Composition of Municipalities

Elected Members

• Members of a Municipality are generally elected directly by the people from Territorial Wards.

Representation by the State Legislature

The State Legislature may provide representation for:

Experts

• Persons having special knowledge or practical experience in Municipal Administration.

Elected Representatives

• Members of Lok Sabha
• Members of the State Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
• Members of Rajya Sabha
• Members of the State Legislative Council (MLCs)

Ward Committee Chairpersons

• Chairpersons of Ward Committees, wherever applicable.

Note: Nominated members do not have the right to vote in the meetings of the Municipality.

Ward Committees

Constitution

• Ward Committees are constituted in Municipal Corporations having a population of 3 lakh or more. (Art. 243S)

Objective

• Promote decentralised urban governance.
• Facilitate public participation in local administration.

Planning Committees

District Planning Committee (DPC)

Level

• Constituted at the District Level.

Functions (Art. 243ZD)

• Consolidates plans prepared by:
  
  • Panchayats
  • Municipalities
• Prepares a Draft Development Plan for the entire district.

Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC)

Level

• Constituted for every Metropolitan Area.

Functions (Art. 243ZE)

• Integrates development plans prepared by:
  
  • Municipalities
  • Panchayats
• Prepares a Comprehensive Development Plan for the Metropolitan Region.

Types of Urban Local Bodies 

Important Constitutional Articles