The states in India seem reluctant to empower urban local bodies both functionally as well as financially." Comment
It's largely true that Indian states exhibit a noticeable reluctance to genuinely empower Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), both functionally and financially. Functionally, despite the 12th Schedule of the Constitution outlining responsibilities like urban planning, public health, and slum improvement, many states continue to retain significant control over these subjects through their own departments or parastatal agencies. This often leads to a duplication of efforts, unclear accountability, and hinders ULBs from acting as true self-governing institutions.
Financially, ULBs remain heavily dependent on state grants, which are often insufficient, erratic, and tied to specific projects, limiting their fiscal autonomy. Their own revenue generation capacity, primarily from property taxes and user charges, is frequently constrained by state-mandated low rates or poor collection mechanisms. This reluctance stems largely from a desire by state governments to maintain political and administrative control, fearing a loss of patronage and influence if ULBs become truly independent. Consequently, urban governance remains weak, impacting service delivery and hindering sustainable urban development.
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