Explain the main functions of urban body under the 74th Constitutional Amendment mentioned in the 12th Schedule of the Constitution.

Functions of Urban Local Bodies Under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (Twelfth Schedule)

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 inserted Part IX-A and the Twelfth Schedule (Article 243-W) into the Indian Constitution, providing constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Nagar Panchayats) with 18 functional subjects.

Classification of the 18 Functional Items of the Twelfth Schedule:

• 1. Urban Planning & Land Regulation:
  • Item 1: Urban planning including town planning.
  • Item 2: Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings.
• 2. Civic Infrastructure & Public Utilities:
  • Item 3: Planning for economic and social development.
  • Item 4: Roads and bridges.
  • Item 5: Water supply for domestic, industrial, and commercial purposes.
  • Item 6: Public health, sanitation, conservancy, and solid waste management.
  • Item 7: Fire services.
  • Item 17: Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops, and public conveniences.
• 3. Environmental & Ecological Sustainability:
  • Item 8: Urban forestry, protection of the environment, and promotion of ecological aspects.
• 4. Social Welfare & Poverty Alleviation:
  • Item 9: Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the handicapped and mentally retarded.
  • Item 10: Slum improvement and upgradation.
  • Item 11: Urban poverty alleviation (NULM implementation).
• 5. Cultural, Aesthetic & Vital Registration:
  • Item 12: Provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, playgrounds.
  • Item 13: Promotion of cultural, educational, and aesthetic aspects.
  • Item 14: Burials and burial grounds; cremations, cremation grounds, and electric crematoriums.
  • Item 15: Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals.
  • Item 16: Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths.
  • Item 18: Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries.

Conclusion: Devolving genuine financial autonomy and operational capacity across these 18 functions is essential for building climate-resilient, liveable Smart Cities.