RRB Group D GK GS Municipality, Definition and Constitutional Provisions

RRB Group D GK GS Municipality: In the Railway RRB Group D and NTPC 2026 exams, Indian Polity remains a high-scoring section. While most students focus heavily on Panchayati Raj (Part 9), questions regarding Municipalities (Part 9A) become the "deciding factor" in the final merit list.

Based on Akshay Sir’s (Railway Exams Wallah), understand the constitutional framework of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Know the technicalities of articles 243P to 243ZG, ensuring you understand everything about urban governance in India.

Also Read: 

• RRB Group D GK GS Directive Principles of State Policy
• RRB Group D GK GS Prime Minister And Council Of Ministers

What is the Definition and Constitutional Status of Municipalities?

Municipal Bodies are local self-government institutions specifically for urban areas. Their primary role involves providing civic amenities, managing urban development, and administering cities and towns. They serve a similar function in urban settings as Panchayats do in rural areas.

Initially, municipal bodies operated under state government jurisdiction. However, they achieved significant recognition by gaining constitutional status through the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992. This amendment was crucial, as it provided constitutional protection and established a uniform framework for the structure and functioning of urban local governments nationwide.

Constitutional Provisions: Part IX-A and Key Articles

The 74th Amendment Act of 1992 introduced a new section to the Indian Constitution to formalize urban local bodies:

• Part IX-A: Titled 'The Municipalities'.

• Articles: This part includes provisions from Articles 243-P to 243-Z(G).

The most important articles for understanding the framework of Municipalities are:

The table below shows a comparison of key articles for Panchayats versus Municipalities:

Historical Evolution of Municipal Governance in India

Urban administration in India has a rich history:

1. Ancient India: Evidence of municipal governance appears in Kautilya's Arthashastra, which mentions an official called 'Nagarpal' responsible for city administration.

2. British Era:

• In 1687, Madras saw the establishment of India's first Municipal Corporation.

• Lord Ripon introduced reforms for elected local bodies in 1882, earning him the title of "Father of Local Self-Government" in India.

3. Pre-Constitutional Era: Jawaharlal Nehru served as the Chairman of the Allahabad Municipality around 1924-1925.

4. Post-Independence: Before 1992, municipal bodies were heavily reliant on state governments. The 74th Amendment in 1992 finally provided them with a formal constitutional framework and recognition.

Types and Hierarchy of Urban Local Bodies (Article 243-Q)

Urban local bodies are organized into a three-tier system, which varies based on the size and characteristics of the urban area:

Formation, Membership, and Term Under Municipalities

1. Formation:

• Municipal bodies are formed by state government notification.

• Members are elected directly from territorial constituencies called wards within the city.

• Notably, India's current President, Droupadi Murmu, previously served as a ward member.

2. Qualifications for Membership:

• Must be an Indian citizen.

• Must be at least 21 years of age.

• Must meet any other eligibility criteria set by the state legislature.

3. Disqualifications for Membership:

• Holding a government post (office of profit).

• Being bankrupt or of unsound mind.

• Disqualification under any state law.

4. Term of Office (Article 243-U):

• A municipality has a term of 5 years.

• If dissolved before its term ends, new elections must occur within 6 months.

• An exception exists: if the remaining term is less than six months, fresh elections for the incomplete period are not compulsory.

Reservation of Seats (Article 243-T)

• Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST): Seats are reserved for these communities in proportion to their population within the municipal area.

• Women: A minimum of one-third (1/3) of the total seats are reserved for women, including for the posts of chairpersons.

• Other Backward Classes (OBC): State governments have the discretion to provide reservations for OBCs. 

Powers, Functions, and Financial Resources in Municipalities

Powers and Functions (Article 243-W):

The 12th Schedule of the Constitution, added by the 74th Amendment, lists 18 subjects where municipalities have authority. Key functions include:

• Urban planning and land-use regulation.

• Construction and maintenance of roads and bridges.

• Water supply for domestic and industrial use.

• Public health, sanitation, and solid waste management.

• Fire services.

• Urban poverty alleviation and slum improvement.

• Development of parks, gardens, and playgrounds.

• Registration of births and deaths.

• Provision of public amenities such as street lighting and parking facilities.
  
  

Financial Powers (Article 243-X):

Municipalities are authorized to levy, collect, and appropriate various taxes, including:

• Property Tax

• Water Tax

• Advertising Tax
  They also receive financial grants from both state and central governments, often based on the recommendations of the State Finance Commission.

What are Cantonment Boards?

Cantonment Boards are a distinct type of urban administrative body:

• Establishment: Created under the Cantonments Act, initially of 1924 and now the Cantonments Act, 2006.

• Jurisdiction: They manage the civilian population residing within cantonment (military) areas.

• Control: They fall under the administrative authority of the Ministry of Defence.

• Composition: The board comprises partly elected and partly nominated members.

• Term of Office: Elected members serve a term of 3 years, which differs from the 5-year term of regular municipalities.

• Executive Head: The commanding officer of the military station serves as the ex-officio president of the board.

• Classification: There are approximately 62 cantonment boards in India, categorized by their civilian population.

PW provides Railway exam content, including Railway Exam Blogs, sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more. Also, enroll today on Railway Online Coaching for preparation.