HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 129 : Model Answer

QUESTION: Examine critically the implementation of 74^th Constitutional Amendment in Himachal Pradesh. (8 marks, 120 words)

Answer.

The government of Himachal Pradesh has enacted HP municipal act,1994, for facilitating the administration of Urban Local Governments. The three classes of municipalities in accordance with act are Nagar Panchayat, Municipal Council, Municipal Corporation.

The act contains 18 functional items, which are placed under the purview of municipalities. Various functionals items like urban planning including town planning, planning for economic and social development, public health, sanitation and solid waste management, provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, playgrounds etc has been implemented through various initiatives taken by the government.

For e.g. Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning rule made in 2014 has helped in urban planning and infrastructure development. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) has helped in implementation of provisions like sanitation and solid waste management in urban areas.

Through schemes like DAY-NULM, government is working towards social and economic development by providing employment through skill training and placement, social Mobilization and Institution Development etc. Through initiatives like AMRUT and Smart city mission, government is facilitating the administration of Urban Local Government using latest technologies like GIS, Geotagging etc.

The reservation of women in urban local bodies has been increased to 50 percent.

But there are some provisions which are not being implemented in accordance with 74th constitutional amendment provisions.

1. No timely meetings of the Finance, Audit and Planning Committee as per the provisions of the Act.
2. Non preparation of budget estimate by Municipal Councils.
3. Ineffective monitoring of Revenue Sources and in some cases non collection of taxes resulted in loss of revenue, thereby affecting the functioning of municipalities.

Use of technology to reduce corruption and bring in more transparency in the civic administration. Encouraging citizen participation will improve the civic administration by bringing more accountability. These measures would help in effective functioning of municipalities.