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Chapter 12

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are decentralized institutions managing cities and towns, categorized into Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats based on population size. Their core functions include infrastructure maintenance, regulation and licensing, planning and development, and promoting citizen participation. Funding for ULBs comes from taxes, paid services, and state and central grants, with effective governance relying on active citizen involvement.

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Chapter 12

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are decentralized institutions managing cities and towns, categorized into Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats based on population size. Their core functions include infrastructure maintenance, regulation and licensing, planning and development, and promoting citizen participation. Funding for ULBs comes from taxes, paid services, and state and central grants, with effective governance relying on active citizen involvement.

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manochaanand1
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Chapter 12 – Grassroots Democracy (Part 3) – Urban

Local Government
1. What are Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)?

• Decentralised institutions that manage cities and towns.

• Three types, based on population size:

• Municipal Corporation (Mahanagar Nigam) – cities > 10 lakh people (e.g.,


Mumbai, Chennai).

• Municipal Council (Nagar Palika) – towns with 1–10 lakh people.

• Nagar Panchayat – smaller towns/villages.

• Like the rural Panchayati Raj system, ULBs have elected members (ward committees)
who represent residents of each ward.

2. Core Functions of ULBs

• Infrastructure & Services: road maintenance, street lighting, water supply, solid-waste
collection, drainage, burial grounds.

• Regulation & Licensing: property tax, water charges, business/hoarding licences,


marriage certificates, fire services, tree-cutting permits, grievance redressal (CRM).

• Planning & Development: economic & social development plans, implementation of


government schemes, urban planning.

• Citizen Participation: ward committees organise health camps, anti-plastic drives, and
monitor local issues (leaks, blocked drains, etc.).

3. Funding Sources

• Taxes & Charges: property tax, water fees, solid-waste fees, licence fees.

• Paid Services: water tankers, septic-tank services, funeral vans, mobile toilets,
ambulance services (see Indore Municipal Corp. example).

• State & Central Grants: funds for specific schemes (e.g., Swachh Survekshan).

4. Participatory Democracy in Cities

• Citizens must cooperate (e.g., waste segregation, reporting leaks) for ULBs to work
efficiently.
• Example: Indore’s repeated “cleanest city” titles stem from active citizen involvement
and effective ULB services.

5. Comparison – Rural vs. Urban Local Governance

Aspect Rural (Panchayati Raj) Urban (ULBs)

Basic unit Gram Sabha / Gram Panchayat Ward / Ward Committee

Top body Zila Panchayat Municipal Corporation / Council / Panchayat

Population focus Villages, agrarian communities Dense, diverse city populations

Key issues Agriculture, irrigation, local schools Sanitation, traffic, housing, commerce

6. Historical Snapshot

• Madras (Chennai) Corporation – founded 1688, the oldest municipal body in India;
gained tax-levying powers in 1792.

• Mumbai Municipal Corporation – created 1865, illustrates long-standing urban


governance.

7. Quick Review Prompts

1. List four actions a responsible city-dweller can take to help their ward.

2. How do ward committees differ across Indian states?

3. What services does the Indore Municipal Corporation provide that generate revenue?

4. Compare the roles of a Municipal Council and a Nagar Panchayat.

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