Municipalities & 74th Amendment — Set 14

Correct Answer: A. It ensures free and fair elections to municipalities without interference from the ruling state government

The State Election Commission being an independent constitutional body ensures free and fair elections to municipalities without interference from the ruling state government. The State Election Commissioner cannot be removed easily and has security of tenure like a High Court judge. This independence is essential because municipal elections can otherwise be manipulated by ruling parties. The SEC's independence is fundamental to democratic urban governance and ensures continuity of elected local bodies.

Correct Answer: A. Municipal Corporation Nagar Nigam

Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) is the highest tier of Urban Local Body in India, established for the largest cities. Municipal Corporations govern major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. They have the widest range of powers, largest staff, and biggest budgets among urban local bodies. The elected body is headed by a Mayor and the executive head is the Municipal Commissioner who is typically an IAS officer.

Correct Answer: A. 12th Schedule item 15

Protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects is listed as item 15 in the 12th Schedule. This grants municipalities the authority and responsibility for environmental management within their jurisdiction. Urban local bodies can regulate tree cutting, maintain green cover, monitor air and noise pollution, manage stormwater, and implement eco-friendly policies. The municipal function of environmental protection has gained increased importance given rapid urbanization and climate change challenges.

Correct Answer: A. Not less than one-third of total seats

Not less than one-third of total seats must be reserved for women in every municipality as mandated by Article 243-T. This one-third reservation applies to directly elected seats and also to reserved seats for SC and ST categories. Many states have voluntarily increased women's reservation to 50%. This constitutional provision has significantly increased women's participation in urban governance across India.

Correct Answer: A. Converting municipal records to digital format for better accessibility, transparency, and service delivery efficiency

Digitization of municipal records means converting municipal records to digital format for better accessibility, transparency, and service delivery efficiency. It involves converting birth and death certificates, property records, building plan databases, tax records, and grievance management to digital formats. Digital India initiatives and Smart Cities Mission have pushed municipalities toward online service delivery through portals and mobile apps. Municipal property tax payments, birth certificates, and building permissions are increasingly available online.

Correct Answer: A. An index developed by MoHUA to measure quality of life in cities based on education, health, infrastructure, and governance

The Ease of Living Index is developed by MoHUA to measure quality of life in cities based on education, health, infrastructure, and governance parameters. It assesses how well cities provide services and an enabling environment for their residents. Cities are ranked and this creates competitive pressure to improve urban services. The index is complementary to the Swachh Survekshan and Municipal Performance Index frameworks used to evaluate urban governance.

Correct Answer: A. Elections must be completed before the expiry of the five-year term of the outgoing municipality

Elections must be completed before the expiry of the five-year term of the outgoing municipality as provided in Article 243-U. This ensures there is no gap in democratic governance at the urban local level. States cannot delay municipal elections past the five-year term. The Supreme Court has upheld this constitutional requirement and directed states to hold elections on time. The State Election Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring timely municipal elections.

Correct Answer: A. Item 4 of the 12th Schedule

Roads and bridges are listed as item 4 in the 12th Schedule of the Constitution as a potential function to be transferred to municipalities. Municipal roads other than national and state highways are a primary responsibility of urban local bodies. Municipalities plan, construct, and maintain roads, footpaths, bridges, and flyovers within their jurisdiction. Road infrastructure is one of the largest expenditure heads for most Municipal Corporations.

Correct Answer: A. Indore has been ranked India's cleanest city multiple times in the Swachh Survekshan survey

Indore has been ranked India's cleanest city multiple times in the Swachh Survekshan survey. Indore, Madhya Pradesh achieved this by implementing comprehensive solid waste management including door-to-door collection, segregation at source, processing of wet waste, and recycling of dry waste. The city's success has been attributed to strong political will, efficient municipal administration, and citizen participation. Indore's model has been studied and replicated by other Indian cities.

Correct Answer: A. A statutory body for civil administration in military cantonment areas under Ministry of Defence unlike regular municipalities under state government

A Cantonment Board is a statutory body for civil administration in military cantonment areas under Ministry of Defence, unlike regular municipalities which are under state government. Cantonment Boards are established under the Cantonments Act 2006 and have elected civilian members alongside military representatives. The 74th Amendment provisions for Urban Local Bodies do not fully apply to Cantonment Boards. There are 62 Cantonment Boards in India governing civil areas within military stations.