Topic: devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
Q4. Analyse the structural causes of fragmented urban governance in India. Evaluate its implications for accountability and urban service delivery. Suggest reforms for strengthening integrated city governance. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: DTE
Why the question
Rapid urbanisation, increasing congestion and recurring governance failures in Indian cities have revived debates around fragmented urban governance and incomplete implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
Key Demand of the question
The question requires analysing the structural reasons behind fragmented urban governance in India, evaluating its impact on accountability and urban service delivery, and suggesting reforms for creating integrated and empowered city governance systems.
Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly mention that despite constitutional recognition of Urban Local Governments, Indian cities continue to face governance fragmentation due to overlapping institutions and weak decentralisation.
Body
- Structural causes of fragmented urban governance: Mention incomplete devolution, parastatal dominance, overlapping jurisdictions, weak MPCs or fiscal fragmentation.
- Implications for accountability and urban service delivery: Briefly indicate poor coordination, weak democratic accountability, service inefficiency or transparency deficits.
- Reforms for strengthening integrated city governance: Suggest empowered ULGs, stronger metropolitan planning, fiscal autonomy, institutional coordination or integrated governance mechanisms.
Conclusion
Conclude by emphasising that sustainable urbanisation requires empowered, accountable and integrated city governments rooted in constitutional decentralisation and coordinated planning.
