Municipalities & 74th Amendment — Set 3

Correct Answer: A. A central government scheme for developing basic urban infrastructure in selected cities

AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) is a central government scheme launched in 2015 to develop basic urban infrastructure in 500 selected cities and towns with the objectives of ensuring universal water supply, sewerage, urban transport, and green spaces. The scheme focuses on service delivery at the household level and building capacity of urban local bodies. AMRUT 2.0 was launched in 2021 with enhanced focus on water security and sewage management. It is implemented through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Correct Answer: A. A central government program to develop 100 smart cities with advanced infrastructure and technology

The Smart Cities Mission was launched by the Government of India in 2015 with the objective of developing 100 smart cities across India. The mission aims to promote sustainable and inclusive development and provide a replicable model of smart city development. Smart cities feature advanced infrastructure including digital connectivity, efficient public transport, clean energy, smart water management, and integrated command and control centers. Cities are selected through competition and implementation is through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).

Correct Answer: A. A scheme to provide affordable housing to urban poor including slum dwellers by 2022

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) or PMAY-U is a central government scheme launched in 2015 with the goal of providing affordable housing to all eligible urban households by the target year. The scheme has four verticals: In-situ Slum Redevelopment, Affordable Housing in Partnership, Beneficiary Led Construction, and Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme. The scheme is implemented through urban local bodies and state governments. It aims to address the housing shortage among economically weaker sections and lower income groups in urban areas.

Correct Answer: A. A mission to achieve Open Defecation Free status and improve solid waste management in urban areas

Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) was launched in 2014 with the objectives of eliminating open defecation and achieving 100% scientific management of municipal solid waste. The mission involved constructing individual household latrines, community toilets, public toilets, and solid waste management infrastructure. SBM-Urban Phase 2 launched in 2020 focuses on ODF+ status, ODF++, and water plus certifications, emphasizing faecal sludge management and garbage-free cities. Urban local bodies are the key implementing agencies.

Correct Answer: A. A phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect refers to the phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the replacement of natural vegetation with buildings, roads, and other heat-absorbing surfaces. UHI increases energy consumption for cooling, worsens air quality, and adversely affects human health. Urban planners address UHI through strategies like increasing green spaces, using reflective materials, promoting green roofs, and managing stormwater. This is increasingly important in municipal urban planning.

Correct Answer: A. A comprehensive long-term plan that guides land use, infrastructure, and development in a city

A Master Plan (also called Development Plan or General Plan) is a comprehensive long-term strategic document that guides the physical development of a city or urban area. It outlines land use zones (residential, commercial, industrial, green spaces), infrastructure requirements, transportation networks, and development regulations. Master Plans are prepared by urban development authorities or municipalities for a period of 20-25 years and are revised periodically. They have statutory force and guide all building permissions and urban development activities.

Correct Answer: A. A major central scheme for urban infrastructure and governance reform launched in 2005

JNNURM was a large-scale central government scheme launched in 2005 to upgrade urban infrastructure and promote urban governance reforms in 63 mission cities. It had two sub-missions: Urban Infrastructure and Governance (UIG) for larger cities, and Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) for slum improvement. Cities had to prepare City Development Plans as a prerequisite. JNNURM ended in 2014 and its successor programs include AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission.

Correct Answer: A. A tax levied on goods brought into a municipality for consumption, sale, or use

Octroi was a local tax levied by municipalities on goods entering the municipal limits for consumption, sale, or use within the municipality. It was an important revenue source for urban local bodies but was criticized for causing delays at checkpoints and corruption. Most states have abolished Octroi; Maharashtra abolished it in 2017. The GST regime has replaced various local levies including Octroi. Many municipalities now rely on property tax, water charges, and grants from state and central governments as their main revenue sources.

Correct Answer: A. A tax levied on real property based on the assessed value of land and buildings

Property tax is one of the main revenue sources for urban local bodies, levied on real property (land and buildings) within their jurisdiction. It is calculated based on factors like the assessed value of the property, floor area, location, type of construction, and use. Municipalities fix the property tax rates and collect them annually. Property tax revenue funds local services like road maintenance, street lighting, parks, and sanitation. Many states have moved to Unit Area Value system for more transparent property tax assessment.

Correct Answer: A. A body to consolidate plans of panchayats and municipalities in a district into a district development plan

The 74th Amendment (and also the 73rd Amendment) mandates the constitution of a District Planning Committee in every district to consolidate the plans prepared by panchayats and municipalities in the district and to prepare a draft development plan for the district as a whole. Four-fifths of the DPC members are to be elected by elected members of panchayats and municipalities in the district. The DPC is responsible for integrated district-level planning covering both rural and urban areas.