Urban governance encompasses the systems and processes for managing cities. It includes decision-making frameworks and institutions that guide urban planning and service delivery. Effective urban governance enhances residents’ quality of life and promotes sustainable development.
Key Elements of Urban Governance
- Stakeholders: Involves local governments, citizens, businesses, and NGOs.
- Policies and Regulations: Governs land use, zoning, housing, and transportation.
- Service Delivery: Manages essential services like water supply and waste management.
- Participatory Governance: Encourages citizen involvement for transparency and accountability.
- Sustainability: Balances economic growth with social equity and environmental protection.
Urban Governance Framework in India
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 established urban local bodies (ULBs) as institutions of local self-government. It devolved responsibilities for 18 functions, including urban planning and slum upgradation, to ULBs.
Types of Urban Local Bodies
There are eight types of ULBs in India:
- Municipal Corporation: For large cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Municipality: For smaller cities, often called municipal councils.
- Notified Area Committee: For fast-developing towns lacking basic amenities.
- Town Area Committee: For small towns with limited authority.
- Cantonment Board: For civilian populations in cantonment areas.
- Township: For providing facilities to workers in industrial colonies.
- Port Trust: For managing ports in coastal areas.
- Special Purpose Agency: For designated activities of ULBs.
Initiatives to Enhance Urban Governance
Several initiatives have been launched to improve urban governance:
- Smart Cities Mission (SCM): Launched in 2015 to develop 100 cities with core infrastructure and sustainable environments.
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Aims to provide affordable housing for urban poor.
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U): Promotes cleanliness and waste management in urban areas.
- AMRUT Scheme: Ensures access to water supply and sewerage connections.
- Urban Platform for Delivery of Online Governance (UPYOG): Facilitates online municipal services.
Challenges in Urban Governance
Despite initiatives, urban governance in India faces several challenges:
- Status of Mayors: Inconsistent powers and election methods across states.
- Model Municipal Law (MML): Limited adoption of MML by states for municipal legislation.
- Wards Committees: Provisions for citizen participation often remain unimplemented.
- Institutional Arrangements: Multiple agencies lack integration, confusing citizens.
- State Finance Commissions (SFCs): Inadequate technical support and unclear functional jurisdiction.
Financial Issues in Urban Governance
The financial framework for ULBs is constrained:
- Limited Revenue Bases: ULBs have restricted and inflexible revenue sources.
- Central Finance Commission (CFC): Grants often ad-hoc, lacking a clear linkage to municipal functions.
- Weak Staff Capacity: ULBs lack the institutional capacity for effective urban planning.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance urban governance, several recommendations have been proposed:
- Constitutional Amendments: Amend the 12th schedule to classify functions and ensure accountability of ULBs.
- Management Actions: Standardise definitions and improve staffing levels in ULBs.
- Model Municipal Law Review: Update MML to reflect current urban governance needs.
- Coordination Among Agencies: MPCs and DPCs should better coordinate with various urban service providers.
Role of Stakeholders
Stakeholders play important role in urban governance:
- Local Governments: Responsible for implementing policies and managing services.
- Citizens: Their participation is vital for accountability and effective governance.
- Businesses: Contribute to local economies and infrastructure development.
- NGOs: Advocate for community needs and enhance service delivery.
Impact of Urban Governance on Quality of Life
Effective urban governance directly affects the quality of life. It impacts:
- Access to Services: Availability of essential services like water and sanitation.
- Public Safety: Improved safety measures and emergency services.
- Environmental Sustainability: Better management of urban environments and resources.
- Social Equity: Promotion of inclusive policies for all residents.
Future Directions for Urban Governance
Future urban governance should focus on:
- Decentralisation: Empowering local bodies with more authority and resources.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging technology for efficient service delivery.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening citizen participation in governance processes.
- Sustainable Development: Prioritising sustainability in urban planning and policies.
International Comparisons
Comparative analysis with other countries reveals:
- South Africa: Strong local government partnerships with community organisations.
- New York City: A robust mayor-council system empowering mayors with executive powers.
- Seoul: Effective multi-disciplinary urban renewal driven by strong leadership.
