Municipal Governments and Urban Areas

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of Local Self-Government?

To raise money to meet local expenses

To ensure the betterment or welfare of every citizen (correct)

To establish a distinct Government unit

To provide civic services to the community

Which of the following types of municipal bodies is created under a Central Act?

Municipalities

Cantonment Boards (correct)

Notified Area Committees

Municipal Corporation

What is the historical significance of Local Self-Government?

It is a modern concept

It emerged after national government

It preceded national government (correct)

It is a colonial legacy

What is the key factor in the emergence of Urban Government as a distinct Government unit?

Interplay of several factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of municipal bodies in urban planning?

Programmed and integrated civic services in terms of region or area Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Local Self-Government in terms of communication?

It ensures two-way communication between the State Government and itself Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 74th Constitutional Amendment in the context of Urban Government?

It strengthened the role of municipal bodies in urban planning Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge faced by municipal bodies in terms of finance?

Raising money to meet local expenses Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of the third period of urban local government in India, from 1919 to 1935?

Introduction of diarchy in provinces Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a principle of local governance?

Principle of Accountability in Action Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the State Election Commission, established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

Conducting elections to urban local bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge faced by urban local bodies in terms of municipal finance?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the Metropolitan Planning Committee, established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

Preparation of urban development plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 74th Constitutional Amendment, 1992, in the context of urban local government?

It granted constitutional status to urban local bodies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key feature of the organizational structure of urban local government in India?

Hierarchical structure with the state government at the apex Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the District Planning Committee, established under the 74th Constitutional Amendment?

Preparation of district-level development plans Signup and view all the answers

What was the major limitation of municipal bodies in India before the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

Limited financial resources and dependence on state government Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for the state government's tendency to supersede municipalities before the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

Political considerations Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, in the context of urban governance?

It recognized the third-tier of elected representatives below the center and the states Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the State Finance Commission, as per the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

To review the financial position of municipalities and make recommendations to the Governor Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum percentage of seats reserved for SCs/STs and women in municipalities, as per the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

One-third Signup and view all the answers

What is the fixed tenure of municipalities, as per the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

5 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, on the powers of state governments to dissolve municipalities?

It severely restricted the powers of state governments to dissolve municipalities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a provision of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992?

Abolition of the office of the District Collector Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Evolution of Urban Local Government

Urban local government in India has a long history, with local self-government preceding national government.
Historically, local self-government had limited powers and autonomy.

Types of Municipal Bodies

Municipal Corporation
Municipalities
Notified Area Committees
Town Area Committees
Cantonment Boards (created under the Central Act, Cantonments Act, 1924)

Local Self-Government

Implies the management of local affairs such as water supply, drainage, primary education, and maintenance of roads.
Goal is the betterment or welfare of every citizen.
People of a locality possess a certain responsibility of public local affairs and raising money to meet expenses.

Urban Government

Provides an extensive range of services to the people and performs functions of great variety and magnitude.
Ensures two-way communication between the State Government and itself.

The Constitution (74th Amendment) Act, 1992

Made the constitution of municipalities mandatory.
Recognized the third-tier of elected representatives below the center and states.
Requires direct election to a Municipality.
Reserves one-third seats for SCs/STs and women.
Lays down a fixed tenure of five years for municipalities.
Severely restricts the powers of the state government to dissolve municipalities.
Requires the State Finance Commission to review the financial position of municipalities and make recommendations to the Governor.
Requires the State Election Commission to conduct elections of municipalities.

Organizational Structure of Urban Local Bodies

Municipalities have limited powers and autonomy.
State Governments often take the drastic step of superceding municipalities.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 brought about a radical departure from the past structure of local governance.

Functional Domain of Municipalities

Municipality's functional domain includes services such as water supply, drainage, primary education, and maintenance of roads.
Constitutional provisions outline the functional domain of municipalities.

Municipal Finance

Municipal finance is critical for the functioning of municipalities.
Peoples participation, private-public partnership, professionalisation, and political support are essential for municipal finance.

Post-Independence Era

There have been three phases of urban local government in India post-independence: 1947-1985, 1985-1992, and 1992 onwards.

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Description

This quiz covers the roles and functions of municipal institutions in India, including the All-India Mayors' Conference and the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also explores the characteristics of urban areas and the factors that influence municipal operations.