Part IXA: The Municipalities
Part IXA of the Constitution deals with Municipalities - the system of urban local governance in India. This part was added by the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which established a three-tier system of urban local bodies.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992
This landmark amendment introduced constitutional status to urban local bodies and established a uniform three-tier system for urban governance across India.
Constitutional Status
Municipalities became constitutional bodies with mandatory elections every 5 years
Reservation
33% reservation for women and reservation for SC/ST in proportion to population
Financial Powers
State Finance Commissions to recommend financial allocation to Municipalities
Key Articles Covered
General Provisions (Articles 243P-243Q)
- Article 243P: Definitions
- Article 243Q: Constitution of Municipalities
- Article 243R: Composition of Municipalities
- Article 243S: Constitution and composition of Wards Committees
- Article 243T: Reservation of seats
- Article 243U: Duration of Municipalities
Powers & Functions (Articles 243V-243Y)
- Article 243V: Disqualifications for membership
- Article 243W: Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities
- Article 243X: Power to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Municipalities
- Article 243Y: Finance Commission
- Article 243Z: Audit of accounts of Municipalities
- Article 243ZA: Elections to the Municipalities
Application & Exceptions (Articles 243ZB-243ZG)
- Article 243ZB: Application to Union territories
- Article 243ZC: Part not to apply to certain areas
- Article 243ZD: Committee for district planning
- Article 243ZE: Committee for Metropolitan planning
- Article 243ZF: Continuance of existing laws and Municipalities
- Article 243ZG: Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
Three-Tier System
Municipal Corporation (Large Cities)
For cities with population above 3 lakhs. Has Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and elected councilors. Handles major urban services and infrastructure.
Municipal Council (Medium Cities)
For cities with population between 25,000 to 3 lakhs. Has President/Vice-President and elected members. Manages urban services.
Nagar Panchayat (Small Towns)
For areas in transition from rural to urban. Has President and elected members. Handles basic urban services.
Powers and Functions
Urban Planning
- Urban planning including town planning
- Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings
- Planning for economic and social development
- Roads and bridges
- Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes
- Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management
Urban Services
- Fire services
- Urban forestry, protection of the environment
- Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections
- Slum improvement and upgradation
- Urban poverty alleviation
- Provision of urban amenities and facilities
Infrastructure
- Street lighting
- Parking lots, bus stops and public conveniences
- Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries
- Burials and burial grounds
- Cremations and cremation grounds
- Markets and fairs
Financial Powers
Taxation Powers
Municipalities can levy, collect and appropriate taxes, duties, tolls and fees as determined by state legislatures.
Grants-in-Aid
States are required to provide grants-in-aid to Municipalities from the Consolidated Fund of the State.
State Finance Commission
Every state must constitute a Finance Commission every five years to review the financial position of Municipalities.
Special Features
Wards Committees
Municipalities with population of 3 lakhs or more must constitute Wards Committees for each ward.
District Planning Committees
Every state must constitute a District Planning Committee to consolidate plans prepared by Panchayats and Municipalities.
Metropolitan Planning Committees
For metropolitan areas, Metropolitan Planning Committees are constituted for preparing development plans.