Topic Details (Notes format)

74th Amendment: Urban Local Bodies

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Explains the constitutional status granted to municipalities—Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations. It mandates regular elections, reservations, State Finance Commissions, and District Planning Committees. Municipalities shoulder responsibilities such as urban planning, water management, fire services, and poverty alleviation. The Act aims to boost self-governance in cities, bridging the gap between the state and local communities. However, municipal bodies often depend on state or central funds, limiting fiscal autonomy. Effective decentralization requires capacity-building, better revenue sources (property tax reforms), and synergy with metropolitan planning. The 74th Amendment is crucial for sustainable, inclusive urbanization in India’s rapidly expanding cities.

Practice Questions

What is the minimum age required to become the President of India?

Which of the following is a feature of the Indian Parliamentary System?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख की उत्तराधिकार प्रक्रिया किस अनुच्छेद में वर्णित है?

वरिष्ठ न्यायाधीशों की नियुक्ति में किस समिति का योगदान होता है?

संविधान सभा की बैठकें किस वर्ष प्रारंभ हुई थीं?

Which of the following is the longest-serving political party in India?

What is the maximum strength of the Legislative Assembly of a state?

संसद के अध्यक्ष को किस नाम से जाना जाता है?

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the creation of the All India Services?

केंद्र और राज्य सरकारों के बीच शक्तियों का विभाजन किस अनुच्छेद में निर्धारित है?