Importance of Urban Local Governments (ULGs)
ULGs play a critical role in providing civic services and ensuring quality of life at the grassroots level.
India has over 4,800 ULGs that oversee nearly 40% of the population, a figure which is estimated to cross 50% by 2050
The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) established the framework for local self-governance, but its objectives have not been fully realized after 30 years.
Local elections are crucial for decentralizing governance and ensuring accountable leadership at the city level.
Challenges in Conducting Timely Elections
Elections to ULGs are frequently delayed, with over 60% of ULGs experiencing delays across India, violating constitutional principles.
Delays in forming elected councils (e.g., in Karnataka, an 11-month delay in forming municipal corporations after elections) hinder governance and citizen representation.
This undermines the effectiveness of local democracy and weakens the accountability of elected officials.
Disempowerment of State Election Commissions (SECs)
SECs, which are responsible for conducting ULG elections, lack sufficient power, such as in ward delimitation, leading to delays in election processes.
In many states, political influence over the SECs, especially regarding ward delimitation and reservation, causes further delays and legal challenges.
Moving Forward with Electoral Reforms
The High-Level Committee (HLC) proposed synchronizing ULG elections with national and state elections, which was accepted by the government in 2024.
To improve ULG elections, a holistic reform agenda is needed, with strengthened SECs and timely election cycles to ensure local democracy functions efficiently.
The government has suggested setting up a group to implement these reforms, hoping for a nationwide dialogue to make local democracy operational and vibrant.
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