What major power did the 74^th Amendment Act, 1992, provide to Urban Local Bodies?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Constitutional outline for governance

• The 74th Amendment Act of 1992 brought significant reforms to the governance of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in India.

• It provided a constitutional outline for governance, by granting Urban Local Bodies a constitutional status. This includes creating a framework for the organization, powers, and responsibilities of municipalities and urban areas.

• The Act introduced the concept of a Municipalities which were divided into three categories: Nagar Panchayats, Municipalities, and Municipal Corporations.

• The 74th Amendment empowered Urban Local Bodies with greater autonomy in areas like urban planning, development, and management of local resources.

• It also mandated elections for urban local bodies and provided for reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women, thus promoting democratic decentralization at the urban level.

Information Booster:

• The 74th Amendment Act, 1992:

• The Act inserted Part IX-A into the Indian Constitution, which deals specifically with Urban Local Bodies.

• It provided Urban Local Bodies with constitutional recognition and a more defined structure.

• Key Provisions of the 74th Amendment:

• Structure of Urban Local Bodies: It required the establishment of municipalities in every urban area.

• Election Process: It mandated direct elections to these bodies and a fixed five-year term for representatives.

• Decentralization of Powers: The Act aimed to give greater autonomy to local governments in urban areas, particularly in the implementation of local governance.

• Constitution of Finance Commissions: Urban Local Bodies were made eligible for finance commissions to ensure better financial support.