KALYANI GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE
(AFFILIATED TO MAKAUT)
(Assignment - 2)
NAME : NEHA SINHA
DEPT : INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
ROLL : 10200222074
SUB : CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
SUB CODE : MC-CS 501
EMAIL : nehasinha123987@gmail.com
DATE : 02.10.2024
QUESTION:
What are the main works of municipalities? Write in detail
about the three main types of municipalities under the Act
provides in constitution.
SOLUTION:
Municipalities are essential for the administration of urban areas,
contributing to both the development and maintenance of cities and
towns. They perform a wide range of functions that affect the daily
lives of residents. Here are the primary works of municipalities:
1. Urban Planning and Development: Municipalities are
responsible for city planning and managing land use. They
regulate the growth of urban areas, ensure proper zoning, and
create master plans for city expansion. They facilitate the
construction and maintenance of infrastructure, such as roads,
bridges, and public buildings, and regulate the construction of
residential and commercial properties.
2. Public Health and Sanitation: Maintaining public health is a
core function of municipalities. They ensure proper sanitation
by managing waste collection, sewage treatment, and disposal
systems. They oversee water supply to households, public
health facilities, and industries, ensuring that clean drinking
water is available to all. Municipalities also take care of public
hygiene and manage local health services, including controlling
disease outbreaks and running public health campaigns.
3. Education and Social Welfare: Municipalities manage local
primary and secondary education institutions, including schools
and libraries. They may also support adult education programs
and vocational training centres. Social welfare services, such as
providing housing for low-income groups, assisting the elderly
and disabled, and implementing poverty alleviation programs,
are also under their jurisdiction.
4. Environmental Protection: Municipalities play a significant role
in maintaining green spaces, such as parks and public gardens,
ensuring environmental sustainability. They regulate the use of
natural resources, enforce pollution control measures, and run
programs for tree planting and urban beautification.
5. Transportation and Infrastructure: Municipalities manage and
maintain local roads, bridges, and transportation systems. They
ensure efficient public transport services, regulate traffic, and
provide street lighting. They also oversee the construction and
maintenance of essential infrastructure, such as storm water
drains and public utilities.
6. Tax Collection and Revenue Generation: Municipalities have
the authority to collect property taxes, utility charges, and
other local levies. These funds are used to finance various
development projects and public services. They also manage
markets and trade within their jurisdiction, regulating
commercial activities and collecting revenues from businesses.
Three Main Types of Municipalities under the Indian
Constitution
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, provided a clear
framework for local self-governance in urban areas by establishing
three types of municipalities. These are designed to meet the specific
needs of different types of urban settlements, ensuring that
governance is localized and responsive to the needs of the
community.
1. Nagar Panchayat (Transitional Area)
Definition: A Nagar Panchayat is established for areas
transitioning from rural to urban. These are semi-urban areas,
smaller towns, or emerging urban centres.
Functions: Nagar Panchayats focus on the development of
infrastructure, urban planning, and provision of basic services
like sanitation, water supply, and public health. They also
encourage local businesses and provide for the social welfare of
the transitioning population.
Responsibilities: Key responsibilities include maintaining
cleanliness, constructing roads and public spaces, regulating
building activities, and providing basic amenities.
Composition: A Nagar Panchayat is generally composed of
elected representatives from wards, with a chairperson or
president at the helm. They operate with limited financial
resources but play a vital role in managing urban growth in
smaller towns.
2. Municipal Council (Nagar Palika)
Definition: Municipal Councils are set up in smaller urban areas
or towns with moderate populations, typically between 20,000
and 100,000 people.
Functions: They manage a broader range of services compared
to Nagar Panchayats, including the construction and
maintenance of local roads, public utilities, schools, hospitals,
and social services. They also focus on economic development,
supporting small businesses, regulating land use, and ensuring
housing for all.
Responsibilities: Municipal Councils are tasked with providing
urban amenities, regulating markets, managing waste disposal,
and maintaining public order. They also implement local
development projects, such as building parks, schools, and
healthcare facilities.
Composition: A Municipal Council consists of elected
councillors from wards within the town. The head of the
Municipal Council, typically called the chairperson or president,
is elected either directly by the people or by the elected
representatives.
3. Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam)
Definition: A Municipal Corporation is established in large cities
with a population exceeding 300,000. It is the most powerful
and resource-rich form of municipality, governing large
metropolitan areas with significant administrative and financial
responsibilities.
Functions: Municipal Corporations are responsible for
advanced urban services like large-scale infrastructure projects,
public transportation systems, water and electricity supply, and
maintenance of public amenities. They also manage healthcare
services, education, fire services, public parks, and urban
planning. Additionally, Municipal Corporations have a strong
focus on economic development and city management.
Responsibilities: Municipal Corporations have the authority to
levy taxes such as property tax, advertisement tax, and charges
for services like water supply and sanitation. They are also
responsible for managing large budgets, handling complex
issues like traffic management, housing, slum development,
and disaster management.
Composition: Municipal Corporations are headed by a mayor
and consist of elected councillors from different wards. Larger
corporations may have several departments to handle various
aspects of city governance, such as health, education,
infrastructure, and finance. The mayor may be directly elected
or chosen by elected members.
Municipalities are vital to the smooth functioning of urban areas,
providing essential services that enhance the quality of life for
citizens. The division of municipalities into Nagar Panchayats,
Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations allows for efficient
governance based on the size and complexity of urban areas.
Through these institutions, local self-governance is promoted, and
the needs of urban populations are addressed in a decentralized
manner. These bodies play a pivotal role in urban development,
public health, education, and social welfare, making cities and towns
more liveable and sustainable.
