Sambhav-2024

• Start with an introduction that defines the Local urban government.
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of local urban government in urban development, social welfare, and local democracy.
• Discuss the mechanisms through which local urban government facilitates the participation and representation of marginalized sections in society.
• Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

Local urban government refers to the institutions of self-governance at the city or town level, such as municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats. They are established under the provisions of the 74^th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which aimed to strengthen the urban local bodies (ULBs) and make them more accountable, responsive, and participatory.

The roles and responsibilities of local urban government are as follows:

• Urban development: Local urban government is responsible for planning and implementing various schemes and projects related to urban infrastructure, such as water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, roads, transport, housing, slum improvement, etc.
  • They are also entrusted with the task of preparing and executing the city development plan, which outlines the vision, goals, and strategies for the holistic and sustainable development of the city.
• Social welfare: Local urban government is responsible for providing basic services and amenities to the urban poor and marginalized sections of society, such as health, education, nutrition, social security, etc.
  • They are also expected to implement various welfare schemes and programs of the central and state governments, such as Swachh Bharat Mission, National Urban Livelihood Mission, Smart Cities Mission, etc.
  • They are also expected to promote social justice and equity by ensuring the inclusion and empowerment of the vulnerable groups, such as women, children, elderly, disabled, minorities, etc.
• Local democracy: Local urban government is responsible for ensuring the participation and representation of the citizens in the governance and decision-making processes.
  • They are expected to conduct regular and fair elections, and ensure the reservation of seats for women and SC/STs as per the constitutional provisions.
  • They are also expected to constitute ward committees, area sabhas, and other participatory forums, where the citizens can voice their opinions, grievances, and suggestions.
  • They are also expected to promote transparency and accountability by maintaining proper records, conducting audits, and disclosing information to the public.

The mechanisms through which local urban government facilitates the participation and representation of marginalized sections in society are as follows:

• Reservation of seats: The Constitution mandates that one-third of the total seats in the ULBs should be reserved for women, and the proportionate reservation should be made for SC/STs, based on their population in the respective areas.
  • This ensures that the marginalized sections get adequate representation and voice in the local urban government.
• Decentralization of powers and functions: The Constitution also mandates that the state governments should devolve the powers and functions of the ULBs to the lowest level possible, i.e., the ward committees, where the citizens can directly participate and influence the local matters.
  • This ensures that the marginalized sections get more opportunities and platforms to express their needs and preferences, and to monitor and evaluate the performance of the local urban government.
• Community participation: The local urban government also facilitates the participation of the marginalized sections through various community-based initiatives, such as self-help groups, community development societies, neighbourhood groups, etc.
  • These initiatives enable the marginalized sections to organize themselves, access various resources and services, and participate in various development activities.
  • They also enable them to form linkages and partnerships with the local urban government and other stakeholders, and to demand their rights and entitlements.

Conclusion

Local urban governments are pivotal for urban development, social welfare, and democracy. They facilitate marginalized community participation through constitutional mechanisms. Despite their importance, challenges like limited funds, capacity, autonomy, and coordination hinder their effectiveness. Strengthening these bodies by addressing these issues is crucial for fulfilling their roles, ensuring inclusive and sustainable urban development.