Neha Shetty

UM4050

PUM21233

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1993 intended to provide an institutional framework for the establishment of grassroots democracy. Ward committees were seen as a key component of the mandated participatory governance mechanism. The area of concern is that not all the states have the enabling legislation for the constitution of the ward committees. Not all the cities having the legislature have ward committees. Wherever the ward committees are functional they have not been delegated defined functions and finances. The study evaluates the existing operational procedures of ward committees and intervening in strengthening the institutionalizing and operational barriers. 


Report Content

An overview of the actions that led to the formation of Ward Committees in different Karnataka Municipal Corporations in India

Decentralization alterations, particularly in terms of power-sharing, have been shown to have long-lasting effects on elected officials and departmental officers in terms of autonomy, openness, accountability, planning, and participative and collaborative behaviour.

The study aims at comprehending the mobilization of ward committees Where the impact of the 74th Amendment in institutionalizing ward committees and public participation is examined.

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike according to Section 13-I of the Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act 1976, has established ward committees, to guarantee that residents participate in local administration. The function is classified into four categories prepare, ensure, inspect, and approve but currently, ward committee meetings are functioning as a platform of grievance redressal only.

Institutionalizing barriers such as the absence of Guidelines for the formation of Ward Committees. Unavailability of a standard Procedure for calling for citizens for nomination. Need for Guidelines for selecting ward committee members. Omission of Procedure for verification of affidavits of ward committee applicants.

I. The nomination process for Ward Committee members adopted

Operational barriers such as Inconsistency with respect to maintaining the minutes of the meeting. The potential of the ward committee remains untapped as the effectiveness of Ward Committee Meetings in addressing citizens' grievances takes up the whole meeting. Attendance discrepancies among Ward Committee members, government officials, and citizens across different wards. Irregularities in meeting procedures.

The issues discussed during the meeting in Bengaluru are as follows after examining eight wards - Sewage and water, Solid waste management road and repair, Civic amenities, Public safety Unauthorized banners, and construction, Public health, Parks, burial and open spaces, Noise pollution, Traffic signal, pedestrian walkway, On-street parking, Street vendors, Collection of tax, Trimming of trees.

The purpose of the annual planner is to mitigate the issues prior to their occurrence of it the issues faced are divided as per trimester as per the frequency in the year this would be attached to other issues in the ward which would be further monitored and classified as per need bases of occurrence.

More than just a moral justification, public participation is a potent accountability mechanism.