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Context:

Urban local governments (ULGs) serve as decentralised units of local self-governance, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) was introduced in 1992 to codify ULGs' role. The ongoing debate over simultaneous elections provides a unique opportunity to highlight a basic requirement of local democracy, mainly elections to ULGs, which was generally absent in initial discussion.

Urban Local Bodies

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), making them the smallest level of government in cities and towns. The Amendment added Part IX-A to the Constitution, which includes Articles 243-P to 243-ZG and deals specifically with municipalities.

The Amendment requires the state for the devolution of 18 functions to ULBs, as outlined in Schedule 12 (Article 243W). These functions include urban planning, public health, water supply, and other critical municipal services. 

Significance of ULGs 

ULGs play an important role in the socioeconomic fabric, serving nearly 40% of the people. By 2050, this figure is expected to surpass 50%. 

ULGs account for over 60% of India's GDP, making effective governance critical for sustaining economic growth and promoting societal well-being. 

Their contributions to urban governance have a direct impact on economic and social development.

Why are ULG elections often delayed?

Political interference from state governments, which may postpone elections to avoid unfavourable results.

Delays in ward delimitation and reservation processes, which are sometimes handled by state governments rather than independent organisations.

Administrative inefficiencies exist in State Election Commissions (SECs), which lack the autonomy and resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

How do delayed elections affect local governance?

ULGs lack democratically elected representatives, resulting in reduced accountability and responsiveness.

State governments take control of ULGs, which violates the principle of decentralisation.

Citizens lose faith in the democratic system, resulting in lower participation and engagement in governance.

What steps are needed to address the delays in ULG elections?

Provide State Election Commissions (SECs) with more autonomy and resources to ensure that elections are conducted on time.

Enforce strict adherence to the constitutional mandate to hold elections every five years, with penalties for unnecessary delays.

Integrate ULG elections into the larger framework of simultaneous elections to reduce logistical challenges and ensure timely results.

Why were ULG elections excluded from the initial discussion on One Nation One Election (ONOE)?

Historically, ULG elections were excluded from discussions about simultaneous elections, also known as One Nation One Election (ONOE), because they are classified as State subjects under the Indian Constitution.

According to the Parliamentary Standing Committee report (2015) and the NITI Aayog's discussion paper (2017), integrating ULG elections with national and state elections is impractical due to the large number of ULGs and logistical challenges. The main goal was on synchronising Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.

Way Forward

The High-Level Committee (HLC) of the Government which discussed election synchronisation, acknowledged the importance of ULGs and proposed that local body elections be held within 100 days of Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. This recommendation represents a positive step towards incorporating ULG elections into the larger electoral reform agenda.

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CHALLENGES IN URBAN LOCAL GOVERNANCE

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EMPOWERING RURAL LOCAL BODIES

STRENGTHENING LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Source: 

The Hindu