Do we need to change how cities are governed in India?, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Indian cities lack visible, empowered Mayors compared to cities like New York.
• BMC elections are scheduled for 2026 after being delayed for several years.
• BBMP has been divided into five corporations, while 27 municipalities are being merged into the GHMC.
• 73rd and 74th Amendments, intended to empower local self-governance, have not yielded desired results in urban areas.

Detailed Insights:

• Historically, Chief Ministers have become the most powerful figures in Indian city governance, overshadowing Mayors.
• Democratic decentralisation in India has been supply-driven, lacking strong public demand for empowered local governments.
• MLAs and MPs often serve as ex-officio members of municipalities, subordinating corporators and Mayors to higher political authorities.
• Financial decentralisation is crucial, as ward offices struggle to secure necessary funds, hindering local-level decision-making.
• The division or unification of municipal corporations is often a tactic to postpone elections rather than improve governance.
• Overly powerful parastatals and a lack of clear delineation of responsibilities further undermine the authority of Mayors.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Decentralisation: The distribution of administrative powers or functions of a central authority among several local authorities.
• Parastatals: Organizations that are owned or controlled by the state but operate independently.
• Ex-officio members: Individuals who are members of a body by virtue of their office or position.