Urban Governance

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Content
1. Definition of Governance
2. Form of governance
3. EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT IN INDIA
4. Concept of Local Government
5. Key actors in governance
6. Hierarchy and administrative structure of governance in India
7. STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE
1. IN A METROPOLIS
2. IN SMALLER CITIES AND TOWNS - NAGAR PALIKA / MUNICIPALITY/MUNICIPAL
COUNCIL
3. IN VERY SMALL CITIES WHICH ARE IN A TRANSITION FROM RURAL TO URBAN -
Urban Governance NAGAR PANCHAYAT

8. State Wise Number of Urban local bodies
9. Organizational structure
10. Significance of organizational Structure
11. Institutional framework of urban governance
12. Existing institutional and organizational setting for urban management in India
http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum 13. Urban Governance Indicators
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Content Definition
14. Key Differences Between Organization and Institution Governance refers to the process whereby elements in society wield power and
15. Special purpose vehicles (SPV’s) in the urban sector authority, and influence and enact policies and decisions concerning public life, and
16. Power & functions of ULB economic and social development.
17. Power & functions of MPC / DPC Governance is a broader notion than government, whose principal elements include the
18. Power & functions of Ward Committee constitution, legislature, executive and judiciary. Governance involves interaction
19. Improvement trust between these formal institutions and those of civil society.
20. Function of Urban Improvement Trust in Rajasthan "governance" means: the process of decision-making and the process by which
21. Urban development authorities (UDA) decisions are implemented (or not implemented).
22. Functions of Jaipur development authority (JDA) Governance can be used in several contexts such as
23. Administrative reforms in local governance • Corporate governance,
• International governance,
• National governance
• Local governance (or urban governance).
P.S.N. Rao defined Urban governance as the sum of the many ways individuals and
institutions, public and private, plan and manage the common affairs of the city. It is a
continuing process through which conflicting or diverse interests may be accommodated
and cooperative action can be taken. It includes formal institutions as well as informal
arrangements and the social capital of citizens.
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Form of governance Form of governance
Democracy - a form of government in which the supreme power is retained by the Anarchy - a condition of lawlessness or political disorder brought about by the absence
people, but which is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and of governmental authority.
delegated authority periodically renewed. Parliamentary democracy - a political system in which the legislature (parliament)
Federal (Federation) - a form of government in which sovereign power is formally selects the government - a prime minister, premier or chancellor along with the cabinet
divided -- usually by means of a constitution -- between a central authority and a ministers - according to party strength as expressed in elections; by this system, the
number of constituent regions (states, colonies or provinces) so that each region retains government acquires a dual responsibility: to the people as well as to the parliament.
some management of its internal affairs; differs from a confederacy in that the central Republic - a representative democracy in which the people's elected deputies
government exerts influence directly upon both individuals as well as upon the regional (representatives), not the people themselves, vote on legislation.
units. Feudalism - Feudalism is a social structure revolving around land ownership, nobility,
Monarchy - a government in which the supreme power is lodged in the hands of a and military obligation. Though not a formal way of governing, feudalism refers to a way
monarch who reigns over a state or territory, usually for life and by hereditary right; the of life in which sharp, hierarchical divisions separate noble classes, clergy, and
monarch may be either a sole absolute ruler or a sovereign - such as a king, queen or peasantry.
prince - with constitutionally limited authority. Military Dictatorship A dictatorship is a nation ruled with absolute power, in the
Communist - a system of government in which the state plans and controls the economy absence of a democratic process, and typically under the thumb of a single authority
and a single -- often authoritarian -- party holds power; state controls are imposed with figure. In a military dictatorship, this authority usually heads the nation’s armed forces.
the elimination of private ownership of property or capital while claiming to make Theocracy - Theocracy refers to a form of government in which a specific religious
progress toward a higher social order in which all goods are equally shared by the ideology informs the leadership, laws, and customs of a nation. In many instances, there
people (i.e., a classless society). will be little to no distinction between scriptural laws and legal codes.
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EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

IN INDIA IN INDIA
Local government is the tier of government administration which is closest to (D) Post-Independence period.
the people as compared to the other tiers – national, state and regional /district level. It The advent of Independence opened a new chapter in the socio-economic reforms
is a system under which the people of a locality possess certain responsibilities of embodied in the Directive Principles of States Policy mentioned in Part IV of the
public local affairs, and generating money to meet their expenses. Constitution
The evolution of local self government is divided into four periods. National Commission on Urbanisation was set up in 1985. The Commission gave detailed
(A) Ancient : paura, nigama, pauga, and gana . Kautilya says Nagaraka or Puramukhya was recommendations about the measures required for strengthening the management and
responsible for city administration with the assistance of Gopa or Athanika. administration of urban local government institutions in the country.
(B) Medieval : Kotwal not only controlled the various municipal activities but also The 73th and 74th Constitution Amendment Act 1992 : The Act provides for mandatory as
performed certain magisterial functions, including the control over police and intelligence. well as discretionary provisions which were to be adopted compulsorily throughout the
(C) British : Lord Ripon’s resolution 1882 : provision for various matters such as at least country. The Act facilities the democratic decentralization, and stability to urban local
two-third members of the municipalities be non-officials, system of election, government government units is aimed to accomplish the objective of being administration closer to
control in respect to sanctioning powers, advice and ultimate suspension (if nothing the people .The important aspects of the seventy-fourth Amendment are:
worked), non-officials as chairman, local revenue resources, etc. Several taxes such as (a) regular conduct of elections and limited period of supersession,
octoroi, house tax and professional tax were introduced and primary functions of (b) political representation and reservation of seats for the weaker sections,
construction, upkeep and lighting of roads, public health and education were fixed. Proportionate seat reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Decentralisation Commission (1909) recommended the elimination of official control over Reservation of not less than 33% seats for women.
municipal bodies. (c) proposed devolution of functions,
Montagu-Chelmsford Report (1918) which laid stress on the educative principle, and (d) arrangements for adequacy of finance through fiscal review, assignment of revenue
extended franchise and popular control in local bodies. authorities, and fiscal transfers.
Concept of Local Government Concept of Local Government

The concept of local government is multi-dimensional. 2) Political
The political dimensions of Local Government presents to us the most important of its
concepts, which is however, different from others, forms of public agencies, in spite of the
fact that they have some common characteristics. Since the operational freedom to fulfill
1) Social local needs and aspirations with necessary popular mandate is the hall mark of local
Local Government is an organized social entity. This in turn develops:- government, it is thus a variant of democracy, in spite of its variance in form. To be more
specific, because of its democratic character, it imparts political education of the local
people.
3) Economic
The concept of Local Government has an economic dimension of much significance. A
local body can prove to be efficient and effective without much effect of the locality is
economically sound. It has been pointed out that the economic base of different classes
of the community determines the local politics. In India, for instance, a rural local
authority is dominated by the farmers, while on urban authority has professionally
diversified composition. The economic dimension in nutshell high-lights the facts of the
local authorities: One, with a bearing on their very existence as units for self governance
and the other their legitimate place in the national development. The cumulative effect
can be in the form of partnership between government and local government so as to
http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum achieve the ultimate goal of good life.
Concept of Local Government Concept of Local Government

4) Administrative 6) Legal
In fact, the local government is operationally an administrative organization with the The legal dimension of the Local Government presents two things one, it is the agent of
influence of politics, administration and technology. The local authorities have been state and as much, represents public interest. In the capacity of the agent of state, it
placed in such a way that both as units of local self-government and as agents of exercises a part of the sovereignty of the state delegated to it within its geographical
government, they may succeed in achieving the optimum results without sacrificing the boundaries. Two, it is a self-governing institution. In this capacity, it must exhibit three
basic norms of democracy. This is so because they conform to the two cardinal objectives qualifications, which are explained as: -
of public administration; efficient performance and responsible performance. Initially,
local government may face some problems, but with the attainment of maturity, local
government may produce results that may combine the best of the two worlds,
democratic and bureaucratic.
5) Geographical
With territorial jurisdiction
over a particular human
habitation, the local
government may be
conceptualized in
geographical terms.
Hierarchy and Administrative

Key actors in governance
STRUCTURE OF GOVERNANCE IN INDIA
Local Government, Civil Society & Private sector
Government of INDIA
State Government
Division(s)
Districts(s)
Block(s) (
Tehsil) Municipal Corporation Municipality NAGAR
( MAHA NAGAR PALIKA ) ( NAGAR PALIKA ) PANCHAYAT
Villages
( Gram Panchayat ) Wards
Administrative Structure of Rural & Urban STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

Local Government OF A METROPOLIS
i) Municipal Corporation - It is the topmost of urban local government and is for an urban
area/centre with population above 3 lacs. As an institution it is more respectable and
enjoys a greater measure of autonomy than other forms of local government.
It is set up under a special statute passed by the respective state's legislature. However, in
an exception, in Delhi ( due to it being the National Capital Territory), the power to set up
a Municipal Corporation lies with the Union Parliament.
ii) Councillors - Members of the Municipal Corporation are elected on the basis of
universal adult suffrage for a period of five years and they are called Councillors.
These Councillors, collectively called the Municipal Council, exercise deliberative
functions and the executive functions are performed by the Municipal Commissioner.
iii) Municipal Commissioner & Mayor - He is an Indian Administrative Services official

appointed by the state government and has the executive powers of the government of
Municipal Corporations. The other executives known as the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are
political executives elected for a period of one year by the members of the Corporation.
The Mayor is the titular head of the corporation and presides over the meetings of the
corporation.
Taken from local government directory https://lgdirectory.gov.in/ access on 17/9/2020
STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE IN SMALLER CITIES AND TOWNS - NAGAR
OF A METROPOLIS PALIKA / MUNICIPALITY/MUNICIPAL COUNCIL:
These Municipal Corporations are in charge of Wards ( subdivision or district of a Municipal Councils or Municipalities are set up for an urban area/centre with
town/city) according to its population and representatives are elected from each Ward. population of 100,000 or more, however there are exceptions to that as previously nagar
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai which is the civic body that governs palikas were constituted in urban centers with population over 20,000 so all the urban
Mumbai city is divided in to 6 zones each consisting of 3-5 wards each. Individual wards bodies which were previously classified as nagar palika were reclassified as nagar
or collections of wards within a corporation sometimes have their own administrative palika even if their population was under 100,000.
body known as ward committees. Members of the Nagar Palika are elected representatives for a period of five years. The
town is further divided into Wards ( subdivision or district of a municipality/town)
Functions of Municipal Corporations: according to its population and representatives are elected from each ward. Wards may
Obligatory - Supply of wholesome water and construction and maintenance of water be grouped together into ward councils. One or more representatives are elected to
works, supply of electricity,road transport services,construction,maintenance,naming and represent each ward.
numbering of public streets,lighting,watering and cleaning public streets,etc. The members elect a President among themselves to preside over and conduct meetings
of the Municipality. A Chief Officer along with other officers like an Engineer,Sanitary
Discretionary - Construction of public parks, gardens, libraries, museums, theatres and Inspector, Health officer and education officer who come from the State Public service
stadiums, public housing, planting of trees on road sides and elsewhere, provision of and are appointed by the state government to control the executive and administrative
relief to destitute and disabled persons,civil reception of VIPs, registration of marriages affairs of the Municipality
,organisation and management of fairs and exhibitions. 34 municipalities are in Rajasthan Alwar, Balotra, Banswara, Baran, Barmer, Beawar,
10 municipal corporation in Rajasthan : Ajmer , Bharatpur, Bikaner, Greater Jaipur, Jaipur Bhilwara, Bhiwadi, Bundi, Chittaurgarh, Churu, Dausa, Dhaulpur, Dungarpur, Gangapur
Heritage, Jodhpur-North, Jodhpur-South, Kota-North, Kota-South, Udaipur
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Jaisalmer, Jalore, Jhalawar, Jhunjhunun, Karauli, Kishangarh,
Makrana, Nagaur, Pali, Pratapgarh, Rajsamand, Sawai Madhopur, Sikar, Sirohi, Sri
Ganganagar, Sujangarh, Tonk
STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

IN VERY SMALL CITIES WHICH ARE IN A TRANSITION State Wise Number of Urban local bodies
FROM RURAL TO URBAN - NAGAR PANCHAYAT:
Nagar Panchayats are for an urban area/centre having a population of more than No. of No. of Urban No. of No. of Urban
S.No. State/UT Name S.No. State/UT Name Bodies
Districts Bodies Districts
30,000 and less than 100,000 inhabitants.
1 ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR 3 1 18 LAKSHADWEEP 1 N.A
However, there are some exceptions. All the previous town area committees (urban ISLANDS 19 MADHYA PRADESH 52 382
centres with a total population of more than 5,000 and less than 20,000) are reclassified 2 ANDHRA PRADESH 13 120 20 MAHARASHTRA 36 401
3 ARUNACHAL PRADESH 25 19 21 MANIPUR 16 27
as Nagar panchayat. 22 MEGHALAYA 11 12
4 ASSAM 33 102
Nagar panchayats have a chairman with ward members. Membership consists of a 23 MIZORAM 11 23
5 BIHAR 38 144
minimum of ten elected ward members and three nominated members. And it consist of 6 CHANDIGARH 1 1
24 NAGALAND 11 32
25 ODISHA 30 114
a Block Development Officer ( commonly known as Executive Officer) ,who is the chief of 7 CHHATTISGARH 28 166 26 PUDUCHERRY 4 5
all administration. 8 DELHI 11 5 27 PUNJAB 22 175
Town panchayat or panchayat is a small town of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 9 GOA 2 14 28 RAJASTHAN 33 212
10 GUJARAT 33 172 29 SIKKIM 4 7
inhabitants. It is formed under the panchayati raj administrative system. 30 TAMIL NADU 37 666
11 HARYANA 22 88
In census data, the abbreviation T.P. is used to indicate a "town panchayat". Tamil Nadu 31 TELANGANA 33 141
12 HIMACHAL PRADESH 12 61 32 THE DADRA AND NAGAR 3 4
was the first state to introduce the panchayat town as an intermediate step between rural 13 JAMMU AND KASHMIR 20 90 HAVELI AND DAMAN AND
villages and urban local bodies 14 JHARKHAND 24 54 DIU
33 TRIPURA 8 20
15 KARNATAKA 30 289
34 UTTAR PRADESH 75 670
168 town panchayat are in Rajasthan 16 KERALA 14 94 35 UTTARAKHAND 13 101
17 LADAKH 2 2 36 WEST BENGAL 23 132
Total 734 4546
Taken from local government directory https://lgdirectory.gov.in/ access on 17/9/2020
Organizational structure Significance of organizational Structure
To run the administration, organization is first and foremost requirement. Without a formal organizational structure, employees of ULB may find it difficult to
Organization is the arrangement of personnel for facilitating the accomplishment of know who they officially report to in different situations, and it may become unclear
some agreed purpose through allocation of functions and responsibilities. exactly who has the final responsibility for what.
It is the relating of efforts and capacities of individuals and groups engaged upon a Organizational structure improves operational efficiency by providing clarity to
common task in such a way as to secure the desired objective with the least friction and employees at all levels of urban local bodies.
the most satisfaction to those for whom the task is done and those engaged in the If an organization lacks the structure and underlying principles in accordance with main
enterprise. purpose of the organization and various environments of that, then it is unlikely to
Organization is a declared pattern of relationships, of individuals and functions, survive successfully.
established in government by law.
The governments establish the institutions as and when new activities are to be
undertaken.
A specified suitable organizational structure is designed for every institution to enable it
achieve its set objectives by systematically combining men, materials, tools, equipment,
working space, etc.
This organizational framework is than put to work for accomplishing the governments‘
activities for the development and welfare of their people.
Institutional framework of urban Institutional framework of urban

governance governance
Institutional Framework before 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 Institutional Framework after 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992
Before the legislation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992 the institutions The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992 mandates an institutional framework for
that existed in the urban areas of India used to be constituted with reference to the efficient provision of urban civic services. This framework consists of a number of
character, size and importance of different towns and cities institutions:
Different towns and cities used to have different types of administrative structures and (i) State Election Commission for conduct of regular elections
institutional framework taking into consideration the requirements of these areas, those (ii) provision of three types of urban local bodies Municipalities - Municipal
of the citizens and of the state governing them also. Bigger cities had bigger sized Corporations, Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats;
institutions while larger and smaller towns as well as the transitional areas had smaller (iii)Wards Committees and other Committees for taking power to the people and secure
organizations to administer the affairs of the respective local area effectively and their participation in the administration of local affairs, etc.
efficiently. A number of the organizations used to operate in the local areas in India, for (iv) State Finance Commission to review the financial position of Panchayats and
governance, like a) Municipal Corporation Municipalities and to make recommendations to the Governor regarding the devolution
b) Municipal Committee of state resources to them and the 'measures' they need to improve their financial
c) Notified Areas Committee position
d) Town Areas Committee (v) District planning Committee for integrate the planning of Panchayats and
e) Cantonment Board. Municipalities at the district level
The first four types of urban local bodies used to be established and operated under the (vi) Metropolitan planning committees for the integrated planning of the Metropolitan
State Municipal Acts of the State Governments but the fifth one, all the Cantonment areas
Boards in the country are established under the Cantonments Act, 1924 of the Central
Government
Institutional framework of urban Existing institutional and organizational

governance setting for urban management in India
Jaipur Nagar Nigam JNN - established in the year 1994 under Rajasthan Municipality
The institutional framework of urban governance has several weaknesses, including
Act 1959 revised in 2009 is responsible for planning, operation and maintenance of
(i) incomplete devolution of functions to ULBs,
selected infrastructure.
(ii) fragmented lines of authority between various state agencies and ULBs, and
Jaipur development authority JDA established under Jaipur Development Authority
(iii) weak capacity in urban planning and service provision.
Act, 1982 - for planning and implementation of the city development plans and
Equal emphasis should be given to addressing gender equality in the context of urban
infrastructure for the notified JDA area, which includes the JNN area
governance.
Besides JNN & JDA there are a plethora of agencies responsible for city management
In parallel, capacities in urban planning with participatory processes and service
provision must be strengthened in collaboration with state-level agencies, ULBs, and the
private sector.
Apart from municipal institutions, the Indian urban scene is cluttered up with a host of
para-statals and departmental agencies dealing with urban services, in addition to the
general regulatory activities through the police and district administration, so much so,
that the substance of urban governance really lies with the State government, rather
than in the municipal institutions.1
Existing institutional and organizational

Urban Governance Indicators
setting for urban management in India
Decentralization - Financial:
• Autonomy of financial resources
• Can local government decide on the use of local resources ?
• Predictability of inter-governmental transfer
• Principles of financial devolution
• Level of adoption of the budget Responsive
ness:
• Sources of local
Local
government funding government
Planning and
predictability:
(taxes, user charges,
Decentralizati
borrowing, central on-Financial
government,
Decentralizati Empowerm
international aid) on - Political ent:
JDA: Jaipur Development Authority, JNN, Jaipur Nagar Nigam, RHB: Rajasthan Housing
• Can local government raise resources Effectivenes
Board, PHED: Public Health Engineering Department, PWD: Public Works Department, s:
from capital markets without
RUIDP: Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project, ID: Irrigation Department,
approval of from higher levels of
FD: Forest Department, JTB: Jaipur Traffic Board, RTO: Regional Transport Office, JP:
government?
Jaipur Traffic Police, DD: Devesthan Department, PDCOR: Project Development
• Percent of funds devolved from
Corporation of Rajasthan, PriDev: Private Developer, PriOwn:Private Owner, SpSo:
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Special Socities
Urban Governance Indicators Urban Governance Indicators
Decentralization - Political: Planning and predictability:

• Dismissal of mayors, councilors and officials • Openness of procedures for contracts/tenders for municipal services
• Progress of deciding political agenda • Appointments by higher government
• Legislation on de-centralisation (yes/no) • Annual budgeting
• Number of gender equity oriented initiatives undertaken by local • Percent recurrent resources for Pvt Sector/CBO
organisation or institutions • who supplies and regulates various services
• Percentage of elected and nominated members by sex/ethnic group • independent decisions, regulation/taxes, auditing, removal from office
• Control by higher level of government • Sources of income
• Access to government positions by all groups • Transparency of local taxation
• Consistency/regularity of local mayor election
Local government:
• Process of selecting mayor Responsiveness:
• Regulatory framework that governs promotion of civil servants • Percentage of population served
• Career prospects of civil servants • Access of public to stages of policy cycle ( planning, budgeting, monitoring, etc)
• Pay scale of civil servants delegation of public service
• Tacit knowledge about the power structure • Integration of planning and budgeting
• No of public hearings and participants from different income/ethnic groups
• Are data collected and used by gender and district
Urban Governance Indicators Urban Governance Indicators

Empowerment: Freedom, justice, fairness and equity ( concentrated on equity first):
• Existing participatory processes • Equity in tax system
• Group equity in participatory planning and decision making • Incorporation of excluded groups in the consultation process
• Equal access to education and information • Resource allocation to services benefiting the poor/ the rich
• Existence or not of information on differential situation and needs of women and men • Access to basic services for disadvantaged groups Eg spatial distribution of services
• Legal entitlement to different assets to all categories of people • Quintile distribution of city product
• Self determination of groups in relation to resource management • Ratio of price of water in formal informal settlements
• Civil freedoms - press, association, justice • Existence of public hearings
• Social group and watch dog for programme implementation • Existence of local media
• Number of CBO’s and specific organisations addressing gender issues • Resource allocation towards formal/informal settlement
• Access to basic needs • Rental; to income ratio in formal and informal settlement
Effectiveness:
• Consumer satisfaction ( survey/complaints) Accountability and transparency:
• Capacity for delivery of services ( including spatial coverage) • Fairness in enforcing laws
• Income/expenditure of local govt/capita • Clarity of procedures and regulations and responsibilities
• Legislated local government functions • Existence of sanction, performance standards and disclosure laws
• Targets, programme, financial • Codes of conduct for professional associations
• Economic development ( city Product)
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Key Differences Between Organization and

Urban Governance Indicators
Institution
Forward Looking: The differences between organization and institution are :
• Social development plan • An organization is a systematic collection of people, who work together for achieving
• Vision/mission statements the desired end, under a common identity. Conversely, an institution is an
• Forward/strategic Plans establishment, that is dedicated to promoting a specific cause that can be
• Communication strategy educational, professional, social, etc.
• Gender perspective • The structure of an organization can be centralised – where power lies in the hands
• Revenue growth ( total and own) of the supreme authority, or decentralised – where the power is disseminated. On
• Funds known in advance the other extreme, an institution has a decentralised structure, wherein power is
• Setting budgets/targets spread to various levels of management.
• Existence of planning department • An organization is governed by rules, regulations and policies, whereas customs and
Participation: values are the regulating factors of an institution.
• Role of key groups in planning , decision making, implementation, monitoring and • An organization has a certain life cycle, i.e. they have birth, growth, maturity and
evaluation decay. In contrast, an institution is enduring in the sense that they have the capacity
• Freedom of media and existence of local media of constantly growing, overcoming ability and adapting itself to extreme conditions,
• Percentage of people voting by sex and social groups to take a step towards future.
• Process of public discussion on key issues • The primary purpose of an organization is to earn money or provide services to the
• Use of referendum on key issues members. As against, the main objective of an institution is to impart education or
• Right of establishing association knowledge to the users.
Special purpose vehicles (SPV’s) in the

Power & functions of ULB
urban sector
SPV is an autonomous body within the powers given to it and has its own sources of 74th CAA provide more power and authority to urban local bodies.
revenue. Special purpose agency crafted outside the general administrative framework Introduction of the Twelfth Schedule which lists the functions of the urban local bodies,
SPV have been considered desirable and relevant in the present times when tasks have covering planning, regulation and developmental aspects
become highly sophisticated and technical and thus require specialized handing. I. Urban planning including town planning &
II. Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings: Typically the above two functions
Problem due to SPV in Urban sector fall under the purview of the development authority of the city (e.g. Delhi Development
• Special purpose agencies allegedly confuse the local administrative scene by making Authority (DDA), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). However, the responsibilities
the system diffused and disintegrated. are sometimes shared with multiple authorities (i.e. industrial development authorities,
• Citizens have to access multiple agencies to fulfil their various requirements. regional development authorities) within a metropolitan region. This multiplicity of
• Local government institutions are no longer the single centre of power, their authorities and lack of coordination among them make decision making and
authority and prestige get diminished. Representative democracy, demands, as a implementation of public infrastructure and services extremely difficult.
maxim, that all public services be accountable to a representative parliament. III. Planning for economic and social development: The definition and scope of this
• The very purpose of the 73rd and 74th amendments, which is to set up effective and function is fairly wide, open ended and to an extent, unwieldy. Social and economic
accountable government at the local level would thereby, arguably though, would be development programmes require sound integrated planning which requires resources and
defeated expertise which the most of the ULBs seem not to have endowed with. The HPEC Report
• SPV functioning in their own ‘isolated worlds’, unconnected in sufficient measure on Indian Urban Infrastructure and Services has clearly stressed the need of the
with other related works, also could not be discounted. appropriate capacity building at local bodies’ level.
• SPV would work contrary to cohesiveness of administration at the local level IV. Roads and bridges: This function is typically shared by multiple bodies- city
development authorities, municipalities and the public works departments (PWDs).
Power & functions of ULB Power & functions of ULB
However, an integrated planning is essential to ensure that city roads and urban responsible for funding and planning, and state government for implementation. Health
building/housing plans are properly aligned. The lack of coordination among multiple care is largely financed by private pockets. As of 2001-02, the share in health financing of
authorities involved often makes it difficult to formulate and implement an integrated the local governments, state and central government was 2.2%, 14.4% and 7.2%II. With
plan. dwindling finances of ULBs and the extent of intervention required, it is not clear that this
V. Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes: This is a function that is a mandate that ULBs are well equipped to handle.
is most appropriately by ULBs. The current state of urban water supply is quite dismal with Solid waste management comprises of various steps- collection, segregation,
billing and collection of only 20% of supplied water and Operations &Maintenance cost transportation, disposal and recycling. These activities are normally carried out by different
recovery of 30 – 35%. Also, the connection coverage in urban areas is low (65%) as bodies. Though the current status of solid waste management is dismal (with less than 40%
compared to other developing countries (91% in China, 86% in SA and 80% in Brazil). disposal and less than 1% recycling), it accounts for the 25-50% of ULB’s total expenditure,
Again, in some states the urban service delivery is the responsibility of parastatals (state and is also a function that is best performed by ULBs.
government’s statutory agencies) that are not answerable to ULBs and only to state VII. Slum improvement and up-gradation: Typically falls under the purview of the housing
governments. ULBs, answerable to their smaller jurisdiction, have little control on these boards and the city development authority. However, similar to the social and economic
parastatals that operate on a larger scale; this complicates incentive structures, leading to development functions, it is a challenging task and little exists in terms of a policy
poor outcomes. framework or planning.
VI. Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management: Public health, VIII. Urban poverty alleviation: Such a broad mandate with the level of coordination and
contrary to its significance for social and economic development of the country, is not extent of intervention required again bring to question whether ULBs are the appropriate
supported by a consistent institutional structure (each state has a different structure) and level of government to discharge this responsibility.
policy framework (the last two National Health Policies were made in 1983 and 2002) at Other functions listed in the Twelfth Schedule are mentioned below. The devolution of
the centre or state level. It is highly program driven with the centre government some of these functions (e.g. http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum
fire services, providing urban amenities, burial & cremation
Nagar Nigams (Corporations) Power &

Power & functions of ULB
functions
grounds etc.) to ULBs is justified as these functions may be best performed by local The ULBs execute their functions through various committees viz. Planning and
governments. However, some functions pertaining to social and economic development Development Committee, Education Committee, Water Management Committee,
are either very wide in scope or there is little policy framework to guide ULBs to plan and Works Committee, Health and Welfare Committee, Administrative Committee, etc,
execute them. They also identify the beneficiaries under various schemes, e.g. housing, self-employment,
IX. Fire services etc., based on the income criteria and social backwardness.
X. Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects Councillors act by committee, the most powerful being the Standing Committee with
XI. Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped its role of the steering committee exercising executive, supervisory, financial and personnel
and mentally retarded. powers. It is composed of elected members varying in number between seven and
XII. Provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, playgrounds sixteen through a system of proportional representation of councilors.
XIII. Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects. The Municipal Commissioner is the Chief Executive Officer and head of the executive
XIV. Burials and burial grounds; cremations, cremation grounds and electric crematoriums. arm of the Municipal Corporation. The Commissioner is appointed for a fixed term as
XV. Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals. defined by state statute. The Commissioner's term in office can be extended or reduced.
XVI. Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths. The powers of the Commissioner are those provided by statute and those delegated by
XVII. Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops and public the Corporation or the Standing Committee. All executive powers are vested in the
conveniences. Municipal Commissioner. Although the Municipal Corporation is the legislative body
XVIII. Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries. that lays down policies for the governance of the city, it is-the Commissioner who is
responsible for the execution of the policies.
Nagar Palikas (Municipalities):Power &

Power & functions of MPC / DPC
functions
The Nagar Palika is responsible for water supply, hospitals, roads, street-lighting, Metropolitan planning committee (MPC) and district planning committee (DPC)
drainage, fire-brigade, market places, solid-waste management and records of births Function of MPCs:
and deaths. i) Preparation of Draft Development Plan for Metropolitan Area
Municipal Councils are units designated for smaller areas than the Municipal ii) Coordination of plans prepared by the Municipalities and Panchayats in the Metro
Corporations. State statutes govern Municipal Councils. The Municipal Council, the area including coordinated spatial planning of the area.
President elected by the councillors from among themselves, the Committees and the iii) Co-ordination and sorting out of common issues involving Panchayats and
Executive / Chief Officer constitute the structure of this type of municipal government. Municipalities in the metro area including sharing of water and other physical and
The size of each Municipal Council varies from state to state, with the municipal acts natural resources.
prescribing both the maximum and the minimum number of councillors with terms of iv) Allocation of resources made available by the state and central government to local
office varying from three to five years. In some states, the council Presidents are elected level institutions.
directly by the citizens. In a number of states, the term of the President varies from one v) Phasing and prioritization of development works or works involving number of
to three years and is not co-terminus with that of the council. Panchayats or urban area.
The President has a substantive position in the municipal administration and enjoys vi) Advice and assistance to local bodies in preparation of development plans.
significant authority and power both in the deliberative and executive arms of the vii) Serving as a link to disseminate development objectives, policies and priorities of
municipality. The powers and functions of the Municipal Council Committees are Central and State Governments among various local bodies by formulating operational
the same as those of the Municipal Corporation. In most states, the state government guidelines so that the same may be considered while preparing plans of the respective
appoints the Executive Officer. In some states, the council makes the appointment, but local bodies.
his or her independence has been confirmed by making removal from office difficult. viii) Resolution of conflicts and to avoid areas of overlap between different agencies
generally by a three-quarter majority vote. operating in the metropolitan area.
Power & functions of Ward Committee Improvement trust
Wards Committees should be mandatory for each of the ward in all Municipal In the early part of the twentieth century, town planning was considered a part of
Corporations with a population of three lakhs or more, to comprise of persons chosen by municipal functions. Where a town was growing, it meant construction of a few new
direct election from the territorial area of the Ward. The Chairman of the Committee will roads and the question of inadequacy of existing services hardly arose. As these problems
be the Councillor elected from the Ward. Ward committees act as “bridge between grew bigger and it went beyond the capacity of the municipal bodies to handle them,
municipal government and citizens” Improvement Trusts were created and they were entrusted with town improvement
Ward committees in Kerala is designed to be highly participatory, providing proximity of schemes, town expansion schemes and provision of essential services, amenities, etc.
people to elected representatives as every electoral ward has a ward committee or ward The Improvement Trusts were also given powers to raise financial resources for their
sabha programmes through means which were not normally available to the municipal
• Ward committees have tasks that include preparing and supervising ward level administrations. The first Improvement Trust to be constituted in India was in Bombay in
development schemes, identifying beneficiaries of welfare schemes among others 1898. The dreaded plague that had brought havoc in Europe broke out in Bombay in 1896
• Section 43 of Kerala Municipality Act provides membership of ward committees to and devastated the city.
members of neighbourhood groups (NHGs) and resident welfare associations among Consequently, the Government formulated a scheme for the better ventilation of the
others densely populated parts of the city, removal of insanitary dwellings and prevention of
• In Cochin Municipal Corporation ward committee members included some opening up over-crowding. In September, 1897, the Government of Bombay put forward definite
of municipal decision-making process, ability to use knowledge of the members to proposals for the establishment of an Improvement Trust for the city. Thus, the City
enhance effectiveness and responsiveness of elected members and municipal officials Improvement Trust was created under the Bombay Act, IV of 1896.
and providing members with further learning of civic issues of Cochin and being able After independence Rajasthan state government constituted urban improvement trust
to see these issues beyond locality or ward level. under UIT act 1959 in major cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Ajmer etc.
Function of Urban Improvement Trust Scope & Function of UIT

in Rajasthan in Rajasthan
Scope & Function of UIT according to Rajasthan urban improvement act 1959 Powers and duties of the Trust where a scheme has been sanctioned
Preparation of Master Plans · 42. Transfer to Trust for purpose of scheme of building or land vested in Municipal Board
· Power of State Government to order preparation of master plan · 43. Nazul lands
· Contents of master plan · 44. Transfer of private street or square to Trust for purposes of
· Procedure to be followed · 45. Provisions of drain or water work to replace another situated on land vested in the
· Submission of master plan to Government Trust under Section 42 or Section 43 or Section
· Date of operation of master plan · 46. Power of Trust to turn or close street or square vested in it
Constitution of Trusts · 47. Power under the Municipal laws vested in the Trust
· Establishment and incorporation of Trusts · 48. Transfer of duties etc. of Municipal Board to Trust
· Constitution of Trusts · 49. Power to make surveys or contribute towards their
Framing of Schemes · 50. Vesting in Municipal Board of street laid out or altered and open space provided
· Schemes : matters to be provided therein by the Trust under Scheme
· 30. Matters to be considered when framing schemes Acquisition and disposal of Land
· 31. Scheme to conform to master plan · 51. Power to purchase or lease by agreement
· 32. Previous notification of area for which scheme is framed · 52. Compulsory acquisition of land
· 33. Preparation, publication and transmission of notice as to schemes and supply of · 60. Disposal of land by the Trust
documents to applicants · 60-A. Transitory provisions for pending matters relating to acquisition of land
· 34. Transmission to Trust of representation by Municipal Board as to schemes
· 35. Furnishing of copies of extracts from the assessment book of a local body
Scope & Function of UIT Scope & Function of UIT

in Rajasthan in Rajasthan
Finance Finance
· 61. Improvement Fund · 61. Improvement Fund
· 62. Power of Trust to levy betterment charges · 62. Power of Trust to levy betterment charges
· 63. Assessment of betterment charge · 63. Assessment of betterment charge
General provisions as to improvement General provisions as to improvement
· 72. Restriction on improvement in urban areas · 72. Restriction on improvement in urban areas
· 73. Application for permission · 73. Application for permission
· 73-A. Sanction for sub-division or re-constitution of plots · 73-A. Sanction for sub-division or re-constitution of plots
· 73-B. Restriction on change of use of land and power of State Government to allow · 73-B. Restriction on change of use of land and power of State Government to allow
change in use of land change in use of land
Rules and Regulations Rules and Regulations
· 74. Power of Government to make rules · 74. Power of Government to make rules
· 75. Power of the Trust to make regulations · 75. Power of the Trust to make regulations
· 77. Power of Government to cancel regulations made under Section · 77. Power of Government to cancel regulations made under Section
Procedure and Penalties Procedure and Penalties
· 90. Power to prevent or demolish building · 90. Power to prevent or demolish building
· 91. Penalty for non-compliance with notice under Section 90 · 91. Penalty for non-compliance with notice under Section 90
· 91-A Order of demolition of buildings · 91-A Order of demolition of buildings
· 91-B. Power to stop improper use of land or buildings in urban areas · 91-B. Power to stop improper use of land or buildings in urban areas
Functions of Jaipur development authority

Urban development authorities (UDA)
(JDA)
(d) to make recommendations to the State Government on any matter or proposal
The Urban Development Authority is responsible for infrastructure development,
requiring action by the State Government, Central Government, any local Authority or any
commercial projects, residential schemes, and amenities, rehabilitation of slums,
other authority for overall development of the Jaipur Region;
preparation and implementation of master plans, eco-friendly schemes and transport
(e) participation with any other Authority for the development of the Jaipur Region;
systems.
(f) co-ordinating execution of projects or schemes for the development of the Jaipur
Jaipur Development Authority is established under The Jaipur Development Authority
Region;
Act, 1982 for the purpose of planning, co-ordinating and supervising the proper, orderly
(g) supervision or otherwise ensuring adequate supervision over the planning and
and rapid development of the Jaipur Region and of executing plans, projects and schemes
execution of any project or scheme, the expenses of which, in whole or in part are to be
for such development and to provide for matters connected therewith.
met from the Jaipur Region Development Fund;
Functions of the Authority as per Clause 16 –
(h) preparing schemes and advising the concerned authorities, departments and agencies
The main object of the Authority shall be to secure the integrated development of the
in formulating and undertaking schemes for development of agriculture, horticulture,
Jaipur Region and for that purpose the functions of the Authority shall he:-
floriculture, forestry, dairy development, transport, communication, schooling, cultural
(a) urban planning including the preparation of Master Development Plan and Zonal
activities, sports, medicare, tourism, entertainment and similar other activities;
Development Plans and carrying out surveys for the purpose and also making alterations
(i) execution of projects and schemes on the directions of the State Government;
therein as may be deemed necessary;
(j) undertaking housing activity in Jaipur Region; provided that the delineation of
(b) formulation and sanction of the projects and schemes for the development of the
responsibility for housing between Rajasthan Housing Board and the Authority will be
Jaipur Region or any part thereof;
made by State Government effective from the date to be fixed by it;
(c) execution of projects and schemes directly by itself or though a local authority or any
(k) to acquire, hold, manage and dispose of property, movable or immovable, as it may
other agency; http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum deem necessary; http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum
Functions of Jaipur development authority Administrative reforms in local

(JDA) governance
(l) to enter into contracts, agreements or arrangements with any person or organization
Administrative Reforms Commission’s 6th Report recommendations that is accepted
as the Authority may deem necessary for performing its functions;
by Government : 12
(m) to prepare Master Plan for traffic control and management, devise policy and
Devolution of Powers and Responsibilities
programmes of action for smooth flow of traffic and matters connected therewith;
a. There should be clear delineation of functions for each level of local government in
(n) to perform functions designated by the State Government in the areas of urban
the case of each subject matter law. This is not a one-time exercise and has to be done
renewal, environment and ecology, transport and communication, water energy resource
continuously while working out locally relevant socio-economic programmes,
management directly or through its Functional Boards or other departments/agencies as
restructuring organisations and framing subject-matter laws.
the State Government may specify;
b. Each subject-matter law, which has functional elements that are best attended to at
(o) regulating the posting of bills, advertisement hoardings, sign-post, and name boards in
local levels, should have provision for appropriate devolution to such levels – either in
Jaipur Region or in any part thereof as specified by the Authority;
the law or in subordinate legislation. All the relevant Union and State laws have to be
(p) regulating the erection or re-erection of buildings and projections, making material
reviewed urgently and suitably amended.
alterations therein and providing for open spaces in Jaipur Region or in any part thereof
c. In the case of new laws, it will be advisable to add a ‘local government memorandum’
as specified by the Authority;
(on the analogy of financial memorandum and memorandum of subordinate legislation)
(q) removing obstructions and encroachments upon public, streets, open spaces and
indicating whether any functions to be attended to by local governments are involved
properties vesting in the Government or the Authority;
and if so, whether this has been provided for in the law.
(r) to do all such other acts and things which may be necessary for or incidental or
d. In case of urban local bodies, in addition to the functions listed in the Twelfth
conductive to, any matters which arise on account of its activity and which are necessary
Schedule, the following should be devolved to urban local bodies:
for furtherance of the objects for which the Authority is established; and
• School education
(s) to perform any other functions that the State Government may designate in
furtherance of the objectives of this Act.
Administrative reforms in local Administrative reforms in local

• Public health, including community health centres /area hospitals; Decentralised Planning
• Traffic management and civic policing activities; b. In the interim and in accordance with the present constitutional scheme, DPCs should
• Urban environment management and heritage; and be constituted in all States within three months of completion of elections to local
• Land management, including registration. bodies and should become the sole planning body for the district. The DPC should be
These, however, are only illustrative additional functions and more such functions could assisted by a planning office with a full time District Planning Officer.
be devolved to urban local bodies by the respective States c. For urban districts where town planning functions are being done by Development
Framework Law for Local Bodies Authorities, these authorities should become the technical/planning arms of the DPCs
a. Government of India should draft and place before Parliament, a Framework Law for and ultimately of the District Council.
local governments. The Framework Law could be enacted under Article 252 of the d. A dedicated centre in every district should be set up to provide inputs to the local
Constitution on the lines of the South African Act, for the States to adopt. This Law bodies for preparations of plans. A two-way flow of information between different levels
should lay down the broad principles of devolution of powers, responsibilities and of government may also be ensured.
functions to the local governments and communities, based on the following: e. The guidelines issued by the Planning Commission pertaining to the preparation of
• Principle of Subsidiarity the plan for the district and the recommendations of the Expert Group regarding the
• Democratic Decentralisation planning process at the district level should be strictly implemented.
• Delineation of Functions f. Each State Government should develop the methodology of participatory local level
• Devolution in Real Terms planning and provide such support as is necessary to institutionalize a regime of
• Convergence decentralized planning.
• Citizen Centricity http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum
Administrative reforms in local

Public Participation in urban governance
governance
g. States may design a planning calendar prescribing the time limits within which each Four different meanings of participation in history of public participation 14
local body has to finalize its plan and send it to the next higher level, to facilitate the 1. Participation from below, (1960s and early 1970s) which saw the use of terms like
preparation of a comprehensive plan for the district. ‘popular participation’ and ‘participatory development’. Paulo Freire’s ‘Pedagogy of
h. State Planning Boards should ensure that the district plans are integrated with the the Oppressed’ says that the development process not as a ‘gift’ received rom
State plans that are prepared by them. It should be made mandatory for the States to outside, but as a process of transformation gained through critical reflection and
prepare their development plans only after consolidating the plans of the local bodies. action by the people themselves
The National Planning Commission has to take the initiative in institutionalizing this 2. participation as beneficiaries and users of development projects’, (1980s) , with the
process. rapid growth of development actors, who viewed participation as an approach to be
used in project delivery. This could be seen in sectorial programmes such as waters,
health, irrigation, forestry etc. where participation took the form of user’s
committees, thus providing space for participation in the project cycle.
3. Stakeholders Participation (1990s) when terms like beneficiaries and excluded gave
way to more neutral terms like stakeholders in the development discourses, as a
result of the mainstreaming of participation in large scale development programs
4. Participation as the rights of citizenship (end of 1990s) where it began to be viewed
as a ‘right of citizens’ rather than as an opportunities given to beneficiaries. This idea
of participation as a right invoked a move to a more political idea of participation of
citizens, who themselves bear both rights and responsibilities.
Enhancing Public Participation in urban

Public Participation in urban governance
governance
There is need for radical system change as per the theoretical formulation, which Organised & strong
is referred as “critical modernism” by Giles and Mohan, where initiatives come more citizen groups & civil
from citizens than institutions. Government should actively work to promote such society
Increased demands
institutional mechanisms that make real the possibility. People’ participation has to Changes in policy &
for transparency &
practice
move a level up from project level to policy level which can lead to political accountability
empowerment of people, rather than mere involvement in some technical studies.
Webster and Engberg Pederson (2003) concept of ‘political space’ comprises three Enhancing Public Participation
analytical dimensions. Positive experiences & by Organized & Strong citizen
lessons are shared Increased access to
• The institutional channels, through which policy formulation and implementation groups & civil society 15 information for citizens
with multiple actors
could be accessed, controlled or contested by the poor.
• The Political discourses in which poverty and poverty reduction are specific issues
• The social and political practices of the poor which may be a basis for influencing
decision making, agenda, policy and programme implementation. Improved social
Thus viewing participation as a corollary to citizenship perceives citizens as not external Improved service accountability
delivery mechanisms in ULBs
but internal/integral to the governance process.
Strong & capable
ULBs making efforts to
improve service
http://www.frontdesk.co.in/forum delivery
Enhancing Public Participation in urban Enhancing Public Participation in urban

When citizens’ groups and civil society are mobilized and organized in a systemic way, When these experiences of the municipalities are shared widely with multiple
they are in a better position to identify their issues and challenges and also assess gaps in stakeholders at different levels, i.e. the policy makers, concerned ministries and officials
the governance system especially with regard to service delivery (through community at the national level, other municipalities, practitioners, civil society at the sub-national
monitoring and use of social accountability tools). This results in an increased demand for level, they initiate deliberations around the institutionalization and adoption of these
a more accountable and transparent delivery of services at the local level, which in the mechanisms. This creates a ground for influencing national and sub-national
context of urban governance are basic municipal services like water, sanitation, education, governments to bring about necessary changes and modifications in policies so that
health etc. When the demand for transparency and accountability increases, it improves practices at the local level could be improved.
the access of citizens to crucial information as municipal authorities start opening up and
sharing relevant information demanded by the citizens. Gradually, this increased demand interventions to enhance citizen participation:
on the part of citizens for effective and accountable municipal governance leads to the a) Community mobilization and awareness generation (with identified citizen leaders
adoption or improvement of social accountability mechanisms, like citizen charters, comprising youth, women, and marginalized sections from the communities)
information disclosure and grievance redressal systems by the municipalities. When b) Training and capacity building
municipalities adopt these mechanisms, they are better equipped to deal with the c) Formation of neighbourhood committees
increased demands of citizens and address the complaints/ issues raised by them. The d) Use of social accountability tools by citizens (like Citizen Report Cards and
adoption of tools like citizen charters and information disclosure helps the municipalities community monitoring)
in communicating with the citizens about their services and standards, and the grievance e) Organising interface dialogues
redressal system helps in resolving the problems faced by citizens. Thus, with the
adoption of SAMs, the municipalities become more responsive towards the citizens’
needs and are also able to improve their performance and service delivery.
Type of Interaction among citizens and

Institutionalization of citizen participation
government
Information 13 Democratic decentralization is key to participatory governance. Participation at the local
Government disseminates information on policy-making on its own initiative – or citizens level is institutionalized through regular elections, council hearings and perhaps, most
access information upon their demand. In both cases, information flows essentially in one significantly, participatory budgeting.
direction, from the government to citizens in a one-way relationship.
The 74th Constitution Amendment Act envisages enabling people to participate in
Examples are access to public records, official gazettes, and government web sites. development processes at ward, municipal, district and metropolitan regional level. The
Consultation empirical evidence of such optimism could be realized only after the incorporation of the
Government asks for and receives citizens’ feedback on policymaking. In order to receive CAA in the existing Municipal Acts. The ward committees at the city level. through which
feedback, government defines whose views are sought on what issue during policy- citizens could participate and put forward their concerns.
making. Receiving citizens’ feedback also requires government to provide information to To further the institutionalization of citizen participation urban governance at ward and
citizens beforehand. Consultation thus creates a limited two-way relationship between neighborhood or area level, the Government in 2006 issued a model law, the Nagara Raj
government and citizens. Bill (NRB) or Community Participation Law, which explicitly envisaged the constitution of
Examples are comments on draft legislation, and public opinion surveys ward committees for each ward of each municipality.
Active participation In addition, the NRB proposed to constitute Area Sabhas in each ward, areas consisting of
Citizens actively engage in decision-making and policy-making. Active participation means one or more polling booths, not exceeding five. It also included some provisions regarding
that citizens themselves take a role in the exchange on policy-making, for instance by the constitutions and functions of these area Sabhas. In addition, the provisions for
proposing policy-options. At the same time, the responsibility for policy formulation and community participation fund (CPF) under the JNNURM, anticipated as a catalyst to drive
final decision rests with the government. Engaging citizens in policy-making is an advanced community participation by creation of local assets
two-way relation between government and citizens based on the principle of partnership. Under AMRUT also scheduling of projects in the Service Level Improvement Plan(SLIP) for
Examples are open working groups, laymen’s panels and dialogue processes.
next five years will be done in consultation with citizens
Governance through Stakeholder

Public Participation Tools
Involvement
The International Association for Citizen Participation describes stakeholder involvement Consultation tools
as "any process that involves the public in problem solving or decision making and uses Tools supporting the use of unsolicited feedback are:
public input to make better decisions". “Letterboxes” as entry points for suggestions and complaints, allow the collection of data,
Key Constituents of Stakeholder involvement: channel and follow-up the information inside the government, and ensure that receipt is
We may have to define factors such as: acknowledged and answers are given.
• Level of stakeholder involvement; Information management software packages ease the collection and quantitative and
• Process of stakeholder involvement, including who initiated the process and who qualitative analysis of unsolicited feedback.
participated at each stage; Analytical reports on this input enable governments to make use of it. The reports may
• The communication medium or platform for stakeholder involvement; also be published and may demonstrate the commitment of public administrations to
• The role of facilitation and consultation; transparency and accountability.
• Institutionalization of stakeholder participation for effective and responsive service
delivery (Sixth Central Pay Commission, 2008). Tools to support solicited feedback include:
• The role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Questioning, listening and reporting: There is no feedback without questions. Reaching
citizens with questions and listening, and being open to their answers is vital. In principle,
The widespread application of ICT enabled governance models encourages direct questioning and listening can be a part of any contact with citizens. For governments to be
participatory forms. Now such governance models can become a reality because able to use the input received, reports to persons in charge of these issues are essential.
information residing within the government domain can easily be made available to the Comment periods and actions: Using this tool, government defines a period of time for
citizens themselves through ICT receiving comments or appeals from citizens on a policy proposal or issue, such as the
Master development Plan Suggestions & Objections
Public Participation Tools Public Participation Tools
Focus groups: This tool gathers a group of citizens in one place for a period of a day or Public hearings: Public hearings may be required in certain decision making
less. The participants are to be representatively selected in terms of the population or of processes (such as under environmental impact assessments) or be established practice in
specific publics. policy-making.
Surveys: With surveys, governments present a series of questions to citizens, collect their Non-binding referenda: Non-binding referenda can be used for a concrete consultation of
responses and analyse them. When aiming for a valid result, the citizens who are to the entire population on a specific issue with a choice of answers. Binding referenda go
participate in the survey are selected as a representative sample of the population. further and place the outcome of the decision itself directly in the hands of the citizens.
Public Opinion Polls: Public opinion polls are established instruments for portraying
opinions held by a population on a given issue at a certain moment in time. In order for ICT tools
them to deliver statistically valid results, public opinion polls follow a strict methodology. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) have become a major focus of
governments for strengthening their relations with citizens.
Tools for ad hoc consultation: ICT tools governments use for information are:
Inclusion of individual citizens in consultative bodies: Governments may ask individual Website and web portal Work as front doors for entry to all offers of the government on
citizens – such as experts or representatives of Civil Society Organisations – to join as the Internet. They provide a single access point to various parts of central government, as
members of review boards evaluating government policies or programmes. well as to other levels of government.
Workshop, seminars, conferences: These events enable government to enter into a direct Search engines, clear site structures and links: These tools help users to quickly find the
exchange with a group of citizens and representatives of interest groups During information they seek. Clear site structures and links to other sites containing relevant
workshops, seminars and conferences, government may present information, ask information make navigation easier.
participants to respond and then enter into an open discussion.
ICT Tools for public participation ICT Tools for public participation
Electronic kiosks: Governments can offer access to online public information through Using data gathering and analysis applications: These software applications might offer
electronic kiosks and computer terminals located in public buildings that are free for valuable help in collecting, compiling and analyzing public feedback and input.
citizens to use Involving citizens in the design phase: Involving citizens and representatives of civil
ICT tools for Consultation / Participation society organizations in the design phase of ICT-supported consultation activities may
Electronic letterboxes: Electronic letterboxes give citizens the opportunity to send strongly increase chances for broader participation.
feedback to governments. These can be e-mail addresses to which citizens can freely
write. There can be several letterboxes devoted to different issues. Web letterboxes may
provide online forms with different predefined sections to fill out
E-mail distribution lists: Via these lists governments circulate documents such as draft
policy papers to interested parties. Citizens can subscribe to these lists via a web site. After
receiving the information, they can then send their reactions and comments to the
Government
on-line forum citizens can view the reactions of all participants and can, in turn, react and
interact.
On-line live chat events: E-mail lists and web forums are spread over longer periods of
time where there is generally a time-lag in users’ interaction. In contrast, live chat events
offers participants the possibility to exchange views promptly, live and in “real time”,
within a fixed period of time – usually two hours.
Reference : Recommended Study Material Reference : Recommended Study Material

1. India: The Challenges of Urban Governance by O.P. Mathur 14. Public participation and urban governance in India - Dr. Arun Kumar Tripathi
2. The Challenge of Urban Government Policies and Practices by M. Freire and R. Stren 15. Institutionalising Citizen Participation in Urban Governance – policy brief , PRIA
3. Urban Governance and Management: Indian Initiative by P.S.N. Rao,
4. People’s Participation in Urban Governance, by K.C. Sivaramkrishnan,
5. Local Governance in India by Niraja Gopal
6. Urban Governance, Voice and Poverty in the Developing World by Ursula Grant, Nick
Devas, Philip Amis.
7. Local government directory https://lgdirectory.gov.in/
8. Maheshwari, S. R, 1999, “ Local Government in India, Laxmi Narayan Agarwal, Agra.
9. Singh, Kulwant, 2001, ‘Urban Governance in India: Trends and Issues in
Decentralisation, ‘included in Good Urban Governance Campaign: India Launch’
10. GOI, ‘Memorandum on the Development and Working of Representatives in the
Sphere of Local Self Government’, Vol. V.
11. IGNOU course on “Decentralisation and Local Governance”
12. Administrative Reforms Commission’s 6th Report titled “Local Governance – An
Inspiring Journey into the Future”
13. Citizens as Partners -OECD Handbook on Information, Consultation and Public
Participation in Policy-Making

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Urban Governance NAGAR PANCHAYAT

Form of governance Form of governance

EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT EVOLUTION OF LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT

Concept of Local Government Concept of Local Government

Concept of Local Government Concept of Local Government

Hierarchy and Administrative

Administrative Structure of Rural & Urban STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

iii) Municipal Commissioner & Mayor - He is an Indian Administrative Services official

STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

STRUCTURE OF MUNICIPAL GOVERNANCE

Organizational structure Significance of organizational Structure

Institutional framework of urban Institutional framework of urban

Institutional framework of urban Existing institutional and organizational

Existing institutional and organizational

Urban Governance Indicators Urban Governance Indicators

Decentralization - Political: Planning and predictability:

Urban Governance Indicators Urban Governance Indicators

Key Differences Between Organization and

Special purpose vehicles (SPV’s) in the

Power & functions of ULB Power & functions of ULB

Nagar Nigams (Corporations) Power &

Nagar Palikas (Municipalities):Power &

Power & functions of Ward Committee Improvement trust

Function of Urban Improvement Trust Scope & Function of UIT

Scope & Function of UIT Scope & Function of UIT

Functions of Jaipur development authority

Functions of Jaipur development authority Administrative reforms in local

Administrative reforms in local Administrative reforms in local

Administrative reforms in local

Enhancing Public Participation in urban

Enhancing Public Participation in urban Enhancing Public Participation in urban

Type of Interaction among citizens and

Governance through Stakeholder

Public Participation Tools Public Participation Tools

Reference : Recommended Study Material Reference : Recommended Study Material

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