urban local bodies

Not only were PRIs and ULBs deprived of grants worth crores, authorities in Karnataka government also failed to get these grants released from the Centre, say CAG auditors.

A pan-India research study identifies the challenges faced by urban governments from devolution of power to financial independence, and possible solutions to strengthen them.

Comparing two recent national urban missions, Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities, it becomes evident that local governments that enjoy full devolution of power, in terms of funds, functions and functionaries, can achieve objectives most efficiently. Time to call that into focus, as the nation faces a grave public health challenge and containment zones within cities become key to controlling spread.

The current narrative around COVID in India has established the Centre and states as the main actors battling the pandemic. However, cities have been the epicenters of action and local governments play a pivotal role in mitigating the crisis. And of course, the choices made by citizens are going to determine the outcomes we see in the coming weeks.

The report submitted by the XV Finance Commission for 2020-21 recommends a substantial increase of close to 30% in grants available to ULBs, but to avail these, they must notify minimum rates of property tax, show improvement in revenue and submit audited accounts. Take a look at the detailed recommendations.

The Congress President’s recent tweet highlights an issue critical to governance of Indian cities: accountable political leadership at the local level. Could a system of directly elected mayors, as promised by Rahul Gandhi, be the answer?

Ineffective plastic ban, flawed collection and handling of e-waste, unauthorised slaughter houses — these and more findings from the CAG’s recent performance audit of solid waste management by urban local bodies in Karnataka paint a sad picture.