In 2007 the mineral depletion rate to gross national income ratio of India was 0.7% which was on the higher side as compared to the global average of 0.4% but in other developing countries the ratio was much higher than of India like in China and Russia it was 1.3% and in Brazil 1.6%.
World Bank Report
The urbanization levels in India today stand at around ~30% and are expected to reach 40% by the year 2021. The last four decades have seen a 350% increase in the Indian urban population, and urban centers now contribute around 60% to India’s GDP. For India to sustain the high economic growth rates, these urban powerhouses cannot be neglected at any cost. Ensuring good city governance is imperative for the sustainable development of these cities.
The 74th amendment of the constitution was a national effort aimed at devolution of appropriate functional responsibilities and the corresponding financial resources to the urban local bodies. Previously, local government bodies were a subject of the state list and were governed under the state statutes. It was expected to make the urban local bodies efficient and vibrant units of self governance with increased participation from people, improved service delivery, increased accountability and transparency.
Even after a decade of the enactment of the act, states still dominate the urban local bodies. Full financial and functional powers have not been granted to the local bodies. Some of the reasons cited for this failure have been
A successful city governance model globally has been that of a strong Mayor- Council system, London is a good example. However, most of the Indian cities except Kolkata follow a weak Mayor council system with the Municipal Commissioner being appointed by the State as the execution head. As a result, the Mayor’s office has very little say in city planning or development process. In addition, a power tussle often ensues, especially when the state government is different from that administering the city. The Commissioner does not have any accountability to the general public she serves, as the council or the public does not have a direct say in her appointment.
There is still hope, though. The implementation of the 74th amendment is one of the mandatory reforms under the JNNURM. More than 60 cities and towns have been covered under JNNURM I and another 28 will be included under JNNURM II.
However, it is the citizens of the city that can make the administrative structure of local governments more accountable, transparent and inclusive through increased monitoring and citizen participation. So the next time council elections take place in your city, don’t just sit at home- go out and Vote!
What is City Governance?
Public institutions categorized under city governance not only help in managing a city’s resources but also oversee implementation of various schemes that utilize these resources – infrastructure services, medical care, education, transport - to deliver services to citizens. Nonetheless, the primary objective of the governing body is to set the broad vision for the city and define the broad contours of the policy framework for city development.
What defines good governance at a local level?
A good governance system should be inclusive, have a legal framework through which laws can be enforced, transparent, accountable and responsive to all its citizens. As city level governance directly affects the people, citizens should be made a part of the decision making process.
Local governance in India
India has a three tier federal structure- Union, State & Local governments. The constitution of India clearly delineates the roles and responsibilities and devolution of power between the Union and State governments. To read more about the roles and responsibilities of a local government visit here (http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/fullact1.asp?tfnm=00%20297)