Note4Students:

You’ve likely read about local governance and its evolution, but have you thought about its real impact? Most discussions about local elections stop at the basics – when elections are due and who’s in charge. But to ace UPSC, you need more: why local elections are often delayed, and the disconnect between voters and local governance. The special section here that stands out is the financial autonomy of Urban Local Governments (ULGs) – a game-changer for efficient governance. Remember, it’s not just about understanding functions, but also tackling the real issues that hinder ULGs’ functionality.

PYQs Anchoring:

GS 2: The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlightthe critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (2020)

Microthemes: Local Governments

It may come as a surprise to many that despite the constitutional mandate of holding elections to municipalities every five years, elections are routinely delayed across thousands of urban local governments.

Significance of Urban Local Government (ULG) Elections

Point	Details	Examples
Decentralized Governance	ULGs enable grassroots democracy by decentralizing self-governance and decision-making.	Bengaluru’s Municipal Corporation (BBMP) ensures localized solutions for city-specific issues like traffic congestion.
Service Delivery	ULGs manage civic services like water, sanitation, public health, and urban planning, improving quality of life.	Mumbai’s BMC played a pivotal role in managing waste and public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local Democracy	Elections legitimize ULGs, fostering accountability and citizen participation in governance processes.	The 2021 Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections highlighted voter engagement in urban infrastructure planning.
Economic Impact	ULGs contribute to urban development and GDP growth through efficient city management and infrastructure.	Delhi Municipal Corporation initiated public-private partnerships for waste-to-energy projects, boosting urban economy.
Social Impact	ULGs drive inclusive urban policies, addressing housing, education, and healthcare for marginalized groups.	Jaipur’s municipal programs for slum redevelopment significantly improved living conditions for urban poor.

Reasons for Lower Voter Turnout in Urban Local Elections

Reason	Details	Examples
Lack of Awareness	Voter awareness about the importance of local elections is often limited compared to state or national elections.	In the 2022 Mumbai municipal elections, voter turnout was only 47%, partly attributed to inadequate outreach campaigns.
Perceived Impact	Voters often feel local elections have a smaller impact on their lives compared to higher-level elections.	In Delhi, the 2017 municipal elections saw only 54% turnout, with many citing doubts about tangible governance changes.
Political Disengagement	Urban residents may feel disconnected from local governance, especially when local issues are not prioritized.	In Bengaluru’s 2021 municipal elections, poor turnout (45%) was linked to limited campaign focus on civic issues like waste management.
Timing and Scheduling Issues	ULG elections may be held separately from general or state elections, leading to voter confusion or indifference.	In Pune, ULG elections held during weekdays in 2017 saw lower turnout (49%) due to inconvenient scheduling for working professionals.
Voter Fatigue	Frequent elections across different levels can reduce voter enthusiasm for local polls.	In Tamil Nadu, after the state assembly elections in 2021, the subsequent ULG elections saw a turnout drop to 52%.

Way Forward

Empower State Election Commissions (SECs): Strengthening SECs with autonomy and resources to ensure timely and fair elections. For instance, granting authority for ward delimitation can reduce election delays.
Regular Elections: Mandating elections every five years and aligning them with state and national polls, as recently recommended by the High-Level Committee, can ensure consistency and improve turnout.
Decentralization of Powers: Implementing the 74th Constitutional Amendment fully to transfer decision-making powers to ULGs, ensuring greater autonomy in urban planning and governance.
Public Participation: Promoting community engagement initiatives, such as participatory budgeting and local town hall meetings, to enhance transparency and accountability.
Capacity Building for Local Officials: Training programs for local government officials on urban management, technology integration, and financial management can improve efficiency and service delivery.
Strengthening Financial Autonomy: ULGs should have access to adequate funds through property taxes, user charges, and grants to carry out developmental activities without over-reliance on state governments.

#Back to Basics: Local Governments: History of events and issues

Timeline of Key Events and Developments in Local Governance in India

Period	Key Events and Developments	Significant Contributions/People
1947-1960s	India’s Constitution mentioned local governance but lacked a clear framework. The Community Development Programme (1952) launched but failed to achieve significant outcomes.	Jawaharlal Nehru (supporter of centralized governance but supportive of local governance), Vinoba Bhave, Jayaprakash Narayan (supporters of self-reliant village republics).
1950s-1970s	Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) and others (e.g., K. Santhanam 1963, Ashok Mehta 1977) pushed for local governance reforms.	Leaders and activists like Balwantrai Mehta, K. Santhanam, Ashok Mehta advocated for democratic decentralization and stronger local governance.
1970s	Centralized control under Indira Gandhi slowed local governance development. In 1977, Janata Party supported local governance.	Indira Gandhi (centralized control), Janata Party (supported decentralization), opposition-led states (e.g., West Bengal under CPI, Karnataka under Ramakrishna Hegde) pushed for reforms.
1980s	Rajiv Gandhi emphasized reforms for local governance, introducing a bill in 1988, which was blocked by the Rajya Sabha.	Rajiv Gandhi aimed to strengthen local governance but faced opposition from non-Congress states.
1990s	Emergence of new political parties, especially regional and caste-based, led to local governance being seen as a tool for greater representation of marginalized groups.	Regional and caste-based parties pushed for local reforms, leading to the passage of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1992.
1992	The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments were passed, recognizing rural panchayats and urban municipalities, marking a major milestone in local governance.	Major political reforms solidified local governance, with recognition of rural panchayats and urban municipalities in India’s democratic system.

Summary: Evolution of Local Governance Issues in India

Pre-1992: Weak Constitutional Status
- Colonial and Post-Independence Era: Local governance was weak and lacked autonomy. During British rule, it mainly focused on rural development, and after independence, local governments had no real powers.
1992: The 73rd and 74th Amendments
- Decentralization: These amendments gave local governments constitutional status, with clear frameworks for elections and functions. However, challenges included slow implementation and lack of financial independence.
Late 1990s to Early 2000s: Capacity Building
- Skill Gaps: Local bodies lacked trained officials in governance and financial management.
- Women’s Participation: While reservations opened doors for women, leadership training and societal barriers remained challenges.
Mid-2000s to Early 2010s: Urbanization and Service Delivery
- Urban Local Governments’ Struggles: With rising urbanization, local bodies struggled to provide essential services due to weak infrastructure and limited financial autonomy.
- Power Devolution Issues: States retained key functions, causing inefficiencies in local governance.
2014 Onwards: Focus on Local Governance
- Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat Mission: These missions highlighted the importance of local bodies, but their execution faced challenges due to capacity and financial limitations.
Recent Developments and Issues
- COVID-19: Local governments played a key role in crisis management but were exposed due to lack of preparedness and financial vulnerability.
- Climate Change and Disaster Management: Local bodies faced challenges in managing natural disasters like those in Kerala.
Current and Emerging Issues
- Financial Dependency: Local governments still rely on state and central grants, limiting their ability to address local needs.
- Politicization: Political interference from state governments continues to hamper the effectiveness of local bodies.
- Digital and Green Governance: The transition to e-governance is slow due to inadequate infrastructure, and local bodies face barriers in adopting sustainable practices.
Future Challenges
- Urban-Rural Divide: Rural and urban local bodies face distinct challenges requiring tailored solutions.
- Inclusive Governance: Ensuring the participation of marginalized groups and women remains an ongoing challenge.
- Strengthening Devolution: True devolution, especially financial autonomy, is necessary for empowering local governments.

In conclusion, despite constitutional recognition, local governments still face significant hurdles, including financial dependency, limited administrative capacity, and political interference. Strengthening local governance is essential for addressing the challenges of urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development.