Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Prior to the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, urban planning in India was largely a top-down affair, dominated by state governments and central ministries. Local bodies lacked constitutional recognition and were often dependent on state funding and directives. The 74th Amendment, a landmark legislation, aimed to institutionalize urban local bodies (ULBs) and empower them to function as self-governing entities, including the crucial function of preparing and implementing plans for economic development and social justice. This amendment fundamentally altered the landscape of urban governance and planning, making decentralisation a constitutional mandate.
Pre-74th Amendment Scenario: Centralised Planning
Before 1992, urban planning was largely centralized. State governments held significant control over planning processes, resource allocation, and implementation. ULBs were often seen as mere implementing agencies, lacking the autonomy and capacity to formulate their own plans. This resulted in plans that were often disconnected from local needs and priorities.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992: A Paradigm Shift
The 74th Amendment added Part IX-A to the Constitution, titled “The Municipalities”. Key provisions relevant to decentralised planning include:
- Constitutional Recognition: Gave constitutional status to ULBs, ensuring regular elections and a fixed tenure.
- Functional Domain: Enumerated 18 functions to be devolved to ULBs, including urban planning, regulation of land use, and provision of basic services. (Article 243W)
- State Finance Commission: Mandated the establishment of State Finance Commissions (SFCs) to review the financial position of ULBs and recommend principles governing the distribution of taxes, duties, tolls, and fees between the state and the municipalities. (Article 243-I)
- District Planning Committee (DPC): Provision for establishing DPCs to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities within the district. (Article 243ZD)
Relevance of Decentralised Planning Post-74th Amendment
Enhanced Local Participation and Responsiveness
Decentralised planning, facilitated by the 74th Amendment, allows for greater citizen participation in the planning process. This leads to plans that are more responsive to local needs and priorities. Ward committees, as envisaged by the Act, provide a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and contribute to planning decisions.
Improved Resource Allocation
By empowering ULBs to formulate their own plans, the 74th Amendment enables more efficient and effective resource allocation. ULBs can identify local needs and allocate resources accordingly, rather than relying on top-down directives. The SFCs play a crucial role in ensuring adequate financial resources for ULBs.
Strengthened Local Governance
Decentralised planning strengthens local governance by enhancing the accountability and transparency of ULBs. When ULBs are responsible for planning and implementing their own plans, they are more accountable to their citizens. The increased transparency in the planning process also helps to build public trust.
Integrated Urban Development
The DPCs, though often underutilized, are intended to facilitate integrated urban development by consolidating plans from different ULBs within a district. This helps to avoid duplication of efforts and ensures that plans are aligned with broader regional development goals.
Challenges to Effective Decentralised Planning
- Capacity Constraints: Many ULBs lack the technical expertise and administrative capacity to prepare and implement effective plans.
- Financial Dependence: ULBs continue to be heavily reliant on state funding, limiting their autonomy and ability to implement their own plans.
- Political Interference: Political interference in the planning process can undermine the effectiveness of decentralised planning.
- Weak DPCs: The DPCs have often failed to function effectively due to lack of political will and coordination issues.
- Lack of Citizen Awareness: Limited awareness among citizens about their rights and responsibilities in the planning process hinders effective participation.
Examples of Decentralised Planning Initiatives
Kerala’s People’s Planning Campaign (PPC): Launched in 1996, the PPC is a prime example of successful decentralised planning. It involved extensive participation of local communities in identifying development priorities and allocating resources. This led to significant improvements in infrastructure and social services.
Rajasthan’s Ward Sabha Model: Rajasthan has actively promoted the formation of Ward Sabhas, which are forums for citizens to discuss local issues and participate in planning decisions. This has helped to improve the responsiveness of ULBs to citizen needs.
Conclusion
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, was a watershed moment for urban governance in India, establishing a constitutional framework for decentralised planning. While the Act has undoubtedly empowered ULBs and fostered greater local participation, significant challenges remain in realizing its full potential. Addressing capacity constraints, ensuring financial autonomy, and strengthening the role of DPCs are crucial steps towards achieving truly effective decentralised planning and sustainable urban development. Continued reforms and a renewed commitment to the principles of local self-governance are essential for unlocking the benefits of decentralisation.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.