Topic 03 of 5 · Chapter 12 · Indian Polity
Urban Local Bodies — 74th Amendment
74th Amendment 1992, Part IXA, types of urban bodies, Ward Committees, and the 12th Schedule (18 functions).
📋 In This Article
1. 74th Amendment (1992)
The 74th Constitutional Amendment (1992) gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). It added:
- Part IXA (Articles 243P to 243ZG) to the Constitution
- 12th Schedule — 18 subjects for Municipalities
The amendment came into force on June 1, 1993.
💡 Key Idea: The 73rd and 74th Amendments together created the third tier of government in India — local self-government. The 73rd Amendment covers rural areas (Panchayati Raj) and the 74th Amendment covers urban areas (Municipalities).
2. Types of Urban Local Bodies
| Type | Population | Presiding Officer |
|---|---|---|
| Nagar Panchayat | Transitional area (rural to urban) | President / Chairperson |
| Municipal Council | Smaller urban area | President / Chairperson |
| Municipal Corporation | Larger urban area | Mayor |
⭐ Exam Fact: The Constitution does not specify the exact population criteria for each type of ULB — this is left to the States. The Mayor of a Municipal Corporation is the head of the urban body. The Commissioner (IAS officer) is the executive head.
3. Ward Committees
Ward Committees are established under Article 243S for Municipal Corporations with a population of 3 lakh or more. Key features:
- Consist of one or more wards
- Bring governance closer to citizens
- Handle local issues at the ward level
4. 12th Schedule — 18 Functions
The 12th Schedule lists 18 subjects that may be devolved to Municipalities:
- Urban planning including town planning
- Regulation of land use and construction of buildings
- Planning for economic and social development
- Roads and bridges
- Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes
- Public health, sanitation, conservancy, and solid waste management
- Fire services
- Urban forestry, protection of environment, and promotion of ecological aspects
- Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society
- Slum improvement and upgradation
- Urban poverty alleviation
- Provision of urban amenities and facilities
- Promotion of cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects
- Burials and burial grounds; cremations, cremation grounds, and electric crematoriums
- Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals
- Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths
- Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops, and public conveniences
- Regulation of slaughterhouses and tanneries
✅ Remember: 11th Schedule (Panchayats) has 29 subjects; 12th Schedule (Municipalities) has 18 subjects. Both are discretionary — States may or may not devolve these powers.
5. 73rd vs 74th Amendment
| Feature | 73rd Amendment | 74th Amendment |
|---|---|---|
| Area | Rural | Urban |
| Part added | Part IX (Articles 243-243O) | Part IXA (Articles 243P-243ZG) |
| Schedule added | 11th Schedule (29 subjects) | 12th Schedule (18 subjects) |
| Bodies | Gram Panchayat, Intermediate Panchayat, District Panchayat | Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation |
| Came into force | April 24, 1993 | June 1, 1993 |
6. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- 74th Amendment: Added Part IXA and 12th Schedule
- 74th Amendment came into force: June 1, 1993
- Three types of ULBs: Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation
- Mayor: Head of Municipal Corporation
- Ward Committees: For Municipal Corporations with population > 3 lakh
- 12th Schedule: 18 subjects for Municipalities
- 11th Schedule: 29 subjects for Panchayats
- Both 11th and 12th Schedule subjects: Discretionary (States may or may not devolve)
- 73rd Amendment: Rural; 74th Amendment: Urban