-Shweta Shah
In the past few decades, India's urban landscape has undergone a metamorphosis. The number of metro cities has ballooned, symbolizing economic growth and demographic shifts. The urban population has experienced a six-fold increase since 1951, growing from 62.4 million to 377.1 million in 2011, and it is estimated that 590 million will live in Indian cities by 2030, which is twice the entire population of the USA.(1) The total area under urbanization according to the 2011 census (which could be much higher now) is 31.14 % in India and 45.2 % in Maharashtra. However, this rapid urbanization presents multifaceted challenges, particularly for local administrations that struggle to keep pace. Urban Governance stands at the crossroads, seeking to harmonize growth with sustainability. Here's where Urban Governance – the system managing and developing cities – becomes paramount.
India's Urban Landscape – Growth and Challenges
The urban sprawl in India has been remarkable, with cities like Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Bengaluru, etc becoming megacities. This expansion isn't just limited to traditional metropolises; many smaller cities are rapidly transforming into bustling urban centres. Yet, this growth has outstripped the capacity of local municipalities to provide basic services, manage infrastructure, and ensure quality of life. Pune, for instance, witnessed a population explosion, surging over 38% between 2001 and 2011. This rapid growth strains infrastructure and service delivery. Municipalities grapple with providing basic amenities like water, sanitation, and waste management, and face issues like traffic congestion, air pollution, and inadequate public transport, etc. There is a glaring gap between the demand and delivery of basic public services.
Gaps in the Legislative Framework
The crux of the problem lies in the structural inadequacies of Urban Governance. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act envisioned municipalities as self-governing entities with sufficient powers and resources to effectively manage urban areas. However, the reality is starkly different. There's a lack of genuine devolution of power and financial autonomy to these urban bodies, significantly hindering their operational efficacy. Central governments are often keen to assign service delivery responsibilities to urban local governments but there is simultaneous reluctance to transfer meaningful decision-making authority, particularly in the administrative realm.
The Missing Piece: Local Body Elections and
Their Impact
Let’s have a look at the situation in Maharashtra. As of today, there is not a single elected body in all of the state’s 27 municipal corporations.(2) The elected bodies have completed their terms at different points in time over the past two years and are waiting for fresh elections to be conducted. Currently, these cities are being run by state-appointed ‘administrators’ who are mostly IAS or other officers appointed by the state government. The absence of regular and transparent municipal elections undermines the legitimacy and responsiveness of urban local bodies, creating a governance vacuum that stifles progress. A democratically elected councilor/corporator acts as a connection between citizen needs and the administration's priorities. State-appointed administrators, on the other hand, may lack the same level of accountability and long-term vision. The administrator combines in a single person the authority of the municipal commissioner, the powers of the statutory committees and those of the municipal corporation.(3) This not only hampers governance but also weakens the democratic essence of urban administration.
Need for MPs and MLAs, the representatives of the people to step up
The disconnect between higher echelons of power (MPs and MLAs) and the urban constituents further complicates the governance challenge. There's often a misalignment between state and national political priorities and the immediate needs of urban governance, leading to neglected cities and under-resourced municipalities. Inadequate financial resources limit the municipalities' ability to invest in infrastructure, public services, and environmental sustainability initiatives. Additionally, national and state-level political considerations often fail to prioritize local needs, creating a misalignment with the challenges faced by rapidly growing cities.
Envisioning Sustainable Urban Governance
The SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, is dedicated to developing various aspects of urbanization, including access to basic services, sustainable urban planning, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability. India is a signatory to these Sustainable Development Goals which need to be achieved by 2030. The path to sustainable urban governance requires a multifaceted approach. First, there needs to be a genuine devolution of power and financial resources to urban local bodies. This empowerment would enable municipalities to tailor development projects to local needs, manage resources efficiently, and enhance service delivery. Ensuring the regular conduct of municipal elections would further strengthen governance by making it more accountable and responsive to urban constituents.
Integrating Urban Governance into the broader political framework is also vital. MPs and MLAs must be more engaged with urban issues, ensuring that state and national policies support, rather than hinder, urban development initiatives. Moreover, fostering citizen participation in urban planning and decision-making processes can significantly contribute to more inclusive and sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
India's rapid urbanization poses significant challenges but also offers an opportunity to redefine urban governance for the 21st century. By addressing the gaps in the legislative framework, empowering local municipalities, and fostering a participatory governance model, India can navigate towards sustainable urban development. Urban Governance, thus, emerges not just as a regulatory framework but as a collaborative endeavour that brings together policymakers, urban planners, and the community. The journey towards sustainable urban growth is complex, yet, with concerted efforts and robust governance, India's cities can thrive as sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban centres.
and a research associate at Glass Half Full Media, Australia)
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