By Shashikant Nishant Sharma
THE 74th law of 1992 on the constitutional modification was a historic reform in the landscape of urban governance of India. He provided constitutional status to Local urban body (ULB) Like municipal companies, municipal councils and Nagar panchayats, recognizing them as the third level of government.
THE 12th schedule of the Constitution, added by this amendment, lists 18 functional elements that municipalities are responsible. These functions provide a decentralized, participative and effective framework for urban governance.
đź”° Overview of the 18 functions in the 12th appendix
1 and 1 Urban planning, including town planning
Urban planning consists in formulating land use policies, zoning regulations, master plans and development control to guide the ordered growth of urban areas. ULB play a central role in preparation and implementation Development plans And City planning schemes aligned with urban policy at the level of the state.
2 Regulation of the use of land and the construction of buildings
Municipalities regulate construction permits, apply development control standards, guarantee membership of zoning regulations and prevent unauthorized constructions. This guarantees developmentSecurity and optimized land use.
3 and 3 Economic and social development planning
ULBs contribute to local economic development by supporting markets, industries and small businesses, while implementing social protection programs in health, education, housing and skills development to approach urban poverty and inequality.
4 Roads and bridges
The maintenance, construction and enlargement of municipal roads, overflights, trails and bridges are part of the area of ​​the municipality. They ensure connectivityRoad safety and traffic decongestion within the city limits.
5 Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes
Municipalities manage water supply, treatment and distribution. They ensure fair access with drinking water and promote water conservation, leak management and measurement systems.
6. Public health, sanitation, conservation and management of solid waste
ULBs supervise disease control, public health campaigns, sanitation training, street cleaning and Integrated management of solid waste. An effective service in this function is crucial for urban hygiene and environmental health.
7 Fire services
Fire safety is a municipal mandate, involving the supply of Fire station, emergency intervention teamsFire control infrastructure and regulatory checks for fire compliance in buildings and public spaces.
8 Urban forestry, environmental protection and promotion of ecological aspects
Municipalities should implement urban ecologization programs, manage green belts and Biodiversity parksAnd apply environmental regulations such as control of air and noise pollution.
9. Protect the interests of the lower sections of society, including the disabled and mental delays
ULBs must ensure Inclusive policies Who support vulnerable groups through social housing, accessible infrastructure, education and special assistance programs.
10 Improvement and improvement of slums
A key function of ULB is to improve the quality of life in Urban cans By providing basic services, improving housing, implementing in situ redevelopment projects and promoting Opportunities on livelihoods.
11 Retulation of urban poverty
Municipalities manage programs like Skills development, independent work schemes, microfinance, refuge housesAnd targeted subsidies for the poor urban, often under centralized diets or sponsored by the state as zerm.
12 Supply of urban equipment and installations such as parks, gardens, playgrounds
Recreational infrastructure such as parks and playgrounds improve urban habitability. ULBs are responsible for creating and maintaining these public spaces for community health and well-being.
13 Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects
ULB supports the arts, preserve heritage sites and organize cultural events. They also promote Urban aesthetic Thanks to design guidelines and embellishment projects.
14 Burials and burial boxes; Cremations, cremation bundles; and electric crematoriums
ULBs are responsible for Management of public burial and cremation facilitiesIncluding maintenance, hygiene and promotion of ecological alternatives such as electric crematories.
15 Cattle books; Prevention of cruelty to animals
Municipalities manage cattleapply regulations against stray animals and work with NGOs to promote animal welfare and sterilization programs.
16 Vital statistics, including recording births and deaths
Recording Births, deaths and weddings is a legal function of municipalities, which also act as guards of these crucial demographic data.
17 Public facilities, including street lighting, car parks, bus stops and public amenities
ULBS provides and maintenance of basic civic infrastructure This supports mobility and public hygiene, especially in overcrowded urban environments.
18 Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries
Municipalities regulate these units to ensure hygiene, compliance with environmental lawsAnd human practices, as well as zoning to avoid nuisance in residential areas.
🏙️ Conclusion: a pillar of decentralized urban governance
The 12th calendar allows local urban organizations to operate as effective autonomous institutions. However, success depends on Financial decolution, technical capacity and liability mechanisms. As Indian cities are faced with rapid urbanization, it is essential to fulfill these 18 functions through models of participatory and sustainable governance Inclusive, resilient and livable urban future.
References
Datta, A. (1994). Institutional aspects of urban governance in India. Indian Public Administration Journal,, 40(4), 616-632.
Idiculla, M. (2025). Urban planning work in India: an examination of the Bangalore planning law regime. The Chinese Comparison Law newspaper,, 11(1), CXAD002.
Kumbhar, S. urban governance in India. Constitutional government and democracy in India | For UG, PG and aspiring exams with public service and public service exams | By Pearson311.
KUNDU, D. (2020). Urbanization in India: towards a national framework of urban policy and intelligent cities. Develop national urban policies: ways to reach green and intelligent cities89-119.
RAO, PSN Urban decentralization and regional planning in India: negotiation of local state relations.
Sivaramakrishnan, KC (2013). Revisit the 74th constitutional amendment for better metropolitan governance. Economic and politics Weekly86-94.
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