Municipalities & 74th Amendment — Set 5

Correct Answer: A. Maintaining official birth and death registers and issuing certificates for the population in their area

Nagarpalika (urban local body) is the primary civil registration authority for births and deaths occurring within their jurisdiction. They maintain official birth and death registers, issue birth and death certificates, and forward data to state and national civil registration systems. Birth and death certificates issued by the Nagarpalika are legally recognized documents required for school admission, passport application, inheritance, and other purposes. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act provides the legal framework for this function.

Correct Answer: A. Densely populated settlements with inadequate housing, sanitation and basic services, usually on encroached land

Slums in Indian urban areas are densely populated informal settlements characterized by inadequate housing, poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, and limited access to basic services. Most slums are built on encroached government or private land without legal title. Urban slums are home to millions of migrant workers and urban poor who cannot afford formal housing. Government policies aim at slum improvement and rehabilitation through schemes like SRA and PMAY. India's census identifies slums based on specific criteria including area, population density, and housing conditions.

Correct Answer: A. The elected head of the Municipal Corporation who presides over council meetings and represents the city

The Mayor is the elected head of a Municipal Corporation who presides over the meetings of the municipal council, represents the city in official functions, and is the ceremonial figurehead of the city government. In most Indian cities, the Mayor is directly elected by the voters of the entire city. The Mayor's powers vary across states; in some states the Mayor has significant executive powers while in others the Commissioner (an IAS officer) holds more executive authority. The Mayor plays an important role in giving political direction to the municipal administration.

Correct Answer: A. Urban development concentrated around mass transit stations to reduce car dependence and promote walkability

Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning approach that promotes high-density, mixed-use development around mass transit stations (metro, bus rapid transit, commuter rail) within a walkable radius. TOD aims to create compact, vibrant neighborhoods where residents can live, work, shop, and commute without private cars. Benefits include reduced traffic congestion, lower carbon emissions, better use of urban land, and improved public transport viability. Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are increasingly using TOD policies in their development plans.

Correct Answer: A. A centralized monitoring and management system for city services using real-time data and technology

An Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) is a technology infrastructure established as part of the Smart Cities Mission that uses sensors, cameras, and data analytics to monitor and manage multiple city services from a single centralized platform. ICCC integrates traffic management, surveillance, emergency response, utilities management, and citizen services. It enables evidence-based decision making and faster response to city emergencies. Surat, Bhopal, Pune, and other smart cities have established ICCCs with real-time city dashboards.

Correct Answer: A. Continuance of existing municipalities during the transition to constitutional provisions

Article 243ZF, added by the 74th Amendment, provides for the continuance of existing laws and municipalities. It states that any law relating to municipalities in force before the commencement of the 74th Amendment shall continue to be valid for a period of one year from the commencement of the Amendment. This transitional provision allowed state governments time to bring their existing municipal laws in conformity with the constitutional requirements. States were required to amend their municipal laws to comply with the 74th Amendment within one year.

Correct Answer: A. A statutory body created to plan and regulate urban development in and around a city beyond the municipal limits

Urban Development Authority (UDA) is a statutory body established by state governments to plan, regulate, and promote urban development in a designated urban area that typically extends beyond the boundaries of the municipal corporation or council. UDAs have planning powers including preparation of master plans, zoning regulations, and approval of building plans. They also undertake land acquisition and housing schemes. Examples include Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), and Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

Correct Answer: A. A mission to rejuvenate the Ganga river by controlling pollution and maintaining ecological flows

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is a government of India programme launched to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga river. It works on sewage treatment, industrial effluent control, cremation grounds, rural sanitation, biodiversity conservation, and maintaining environmental flows. The NMCG coordinates with state governments, urban local bodies, and district authorities in the Ganga basin states. Urban local bodies along the Ganga are key implementers of sewage treatment and solid waste management projects under NMCG.

Correct Answer: A. A government company created to plan, implement, and manage smart city projects in each selected city

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in the Smart Cities Mission context is a limited company incorporated under the Companies Act by the state/UT government and the Urban Local Body to plan, implement, and manage smart city development projects. Each selected smart city forms its own SPV with 50:50 equity between the ULB and state government. The SPV has its own board of directors and is managed professionally. It can leverage funding from various sources and execute projects more efficiently than traditional municipal bodies.

Correct Answer: A. Shared urban resources like parks, streets, water bodies managed collectively for public benefit

Urban Commons refers to shared urban resources and spaces—such as parks, public squares, streets, water bodies, libraries, and community centers—that are managed collectively for the benefit of all urban residents. The concept draws from the commons theory and applies it to urban settings. Urban commons face challenges of privatization, encroachment, and inadequate maintenance. Municipal bodies are the primary trustees of urban commons and are responsible for their upkeep and accessibility to all citizens. Good urban commons governance is linked to better quality of life.