Public Administration || Paper 2 || Urban Local Governance

Background

1.   The 1^st Municipality was established in 1687 in Madras.

2.   They are constituted by legislations and hence are statutory bodies.

3.   The subject ‘Local govt.’ is in the state list.

4.   Lord Rippon’s resolution is considered as the magna carta of urban governance.

Urban Area

1.   Where the local population is more than 5000.

2.   Where 75 % or more of the male population is engaged in non-agricultural activities.

3.   Where the human density is more than 400 people per square kilometer.

Important Steps

1.   Rural Urban Relationship Committee 1963-66

2.   National Commission on Urbanization 1988 which suggested

a.   Restructuring the Ministry

b.   National Urbanization Council

c.   Indian Council for Citizens Action

Municipal Corporations

1.   Mayor;

2.   There is a Council and a Legislative body;

3.   Municipal Commissioner is the CEO;

4.   Directly deals with the State govt.

5.   Model for bigger cities.

Municipal Councils

1.   It has a President;

2.   No separation of bodies;

3.   Deals with DM or divisional commissioner;

4.   Model for smaller cities.

Reforming the Mayor Post

1.   Should be indirectly elected;

2.   Tenure should be coterminous with the council;

3.   Should write the character role of the commissioner.