Municipalities & 74th Amendment — Set 9

Correct Answer: A. A policy framework for planning and developing integrated sustainable urban transport systems in Indian cities

The National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP) was issued by the Ministry of Urban Development in 2006 to provide a policy framework for integrated, sustainable urban transport planning in Indian cities. It emphasizes moving people rather than vehicles, promoting public transport, non-motorized transport (cycling, walking), and reducing personal vehicle use. The policy promotes Bus Rapid Transit systems, metro rail, and integrated multimodal transport. It has guided various urban transport initiatives including metro projects and the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority concept.

Correct Answer: A. First responders in urban disasters providing rescue, relief, and coordinating with state disaster management authorities

Urban local bodies play a crucial role in disaster management as first responders in urban disasters including floods, earthquakes, fires, and building collapses. They maintain Urban Disaster Management Plans, operate emergency response centers, coordinate with fire services, civil defense, police, and state disaster management authorities. City-level Disaster Management Authorities are typically chaired by the Mayor or Municipal Commissioner. ULBs also undertake disaster risk reduction activities including early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and ensuring buildings comply with safety norms.

Correct Answer: A. An assessment framework to evaluate and rank the performance of urban local bodies in India

The Urban Local Body Performance Index is an assessment framework designed to measure and compare the performance of urban local bodies in India across multiple dimensions including financial health, service delivery, governance practices, and infrastructure development. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has developed various ULB performance assessment frameworks. These include the Annual Survey of India's City-Systems (ASICS) and frameworks within AMRUT. Performance assessments help identify best practices, areas needing improvement, and motivate ULBs through rankings and recognition programs.

Correct Answer: A. A mission to reduce urban poverty through self-help groups, skill training, and providing financial assistance

DAY-NULM (Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana - National Urban Livelihoods Mission) is the renamed version of NULM, aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability of urban poor through building strong community institutions. Key components include Social Mobilization and Institution Development (forming SHGs), Employment through Skills Training and Placement (ESTP), Self-Employment Programme, Support to Urban Street Vendors, Shelter for Urban Homeless, and Capacity Building. Urban local bodies are the primary implementing agencies working with state urban livelihoods missions.

Correct Answer: A. In areas adjacent to urban bodies, panchayats handle rural governance while ULBs handle urban areas, requiring coordination on common issues

Panchayats and urban local bodies govern different territories with panchayats responsible for rural and semi-rural areas while ULBs govern urban areas. At their interface, coordination is needed on issues like extending utilities, managing peri-urban areas, and planning regional infrastructure. The 73rd and 74th Amendments were designed as complementary systems—the Gram Panchayat covers the rural end while the Nagar Panchayat and higher urban bodies cover the urban end. District Planning Committees are meant to integrate plans from both systems.

Correct Answer: A. All the formal and informal processes of planning, managing, and delivering services in urban areas

Urban governance encompasses all the formal and informal processes, institutions, and relationships through which urban areas are planned, managed, and services are delivered to citizens. It includes elected bodies (municipal councils), administrative machinery (municipal staff), civil society organizations, private sector entities, and community groups. Good urban governance is characterized by accountability, transparency, citizen participation, rule of law, equity, effectiveness, and efficiency. Improving urban governance is central to achieving sustainable development goals in Indian cities.

Correct Answer: A. An act that imposed a ceiling on ownership of urban land and sought to use surplus land for public purposes

The Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act 1976 was enacted to impose a ceiling on urban vacant land holdings and to acquire excess land for public use, particularly for housing the poor. The Act set limits on how much urban land a person or family could hold and required surrender of surplus land to the government with compensation. However, the Act was widely criticized for being counterproductive, discouraging investment in housing, and leading to litigation. Most states repealed their ULCRA provisions after 1999 when the central Act was repealed.

Correct Answer: A. The process of designing and managing the physical development of urban areas for sustainable and equitable development

Urban planning is a technical and political process that deals with the use of land and the design of urban environments including the planning of towns, cities, and regional areas. It encompasses land use planning, infrastructure planning, environmental planning, transportation planning, and housing planning. In India, urban planning is critically important given the rapid pace of urbanization. Proper urban planning can prevent haphazard growth, ensure equitable access to services, protect environment, and create livable cities. State Town Planning Acts and Urban Development Authorities are the key institutional mechanisms for urban planning.

Correct Answer: A. Coordinated multimodal transport system integrating metro, bus, auto, and cycling to provide seamless mobility in cities

Integrated Urban Transport refers to a coordinated system where multiple modes of transport (metro, BRT, local trains, buses, autos, cycling, walking) are integrated physically, operationally, and informationally to provide seamless mobility for city residents. Integration includes common ticketing, synchronized schedules, park-and-ride facilities, and pedestrian infrastructure connecting transport nodes. In India, cities like Mumbai and Delhi are working towards integrated transport systems. The National Urban Transport Policy emphasizes integrated multimodal transport as essential for sustainable urban mobility.

Correct Answer: A. A scheme providing affordable loans to street vendors affected by COVID-19 for resuming their livelihoods

PM SVANidhi (Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) is a micro-credit scheme launched in 2020 to provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors who lost their livelihoods due to COVID-19. The scheme provides initial loans of Rs 10,000, which can be enhanced to Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000 on timely repayment. It also incentivizes digital transactions through cashback rewards and provides recognition to street vendors through formal credit history. Urban local bodies are key implementation partners in this scheme.