← 2 November 2026's Current Affairs · Polity GA Prelims ★★★★☆ Mains ★★★☆☆
2nd National Urban Conclave: 'We can't run cities from state capitals'
Why in News?
Cities have a Twelfth Schedule, yet states still run them: the 74th Amendment gap GS2 asks about
NITI Aayog member calls for empowered city governments.
Why it matters: factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, told the 2nd National Urban Conclave that empowered city governments are needed to unlock India's growth potential.
The 74th Constitutional Amendment added the Twelfth Schedule listing municipal functions.
Sources: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
Key facts
Remember these
- 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 added Part IXA (Articles 243P-243ZG) on Municipalities
- Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functional items for municipalities, such as urban planning and water supply
- 73rd Amendment added Part IX and the Eleventh Schedule (29 items) for Panchayati Raj
- Rajiv Gauba, Member of NITI Aayog, spoke at the 2nd National Urban Conclave in New Delhi
- Article 243W empowers municipalities with powers and responsibilities for self-government
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- The 74th Constitutional Amendment gave constitutional status to urban local bodies and added the Twelfth Schedule.
- The Twelfth Schedule lists 18 functions that State Legislatures may devolve to municipalities.
- The 73rd Amendment relates to Panchayats and the Eleventh Schedule, while the 74th relates to Municipalities.
Mains
GS2 (Local government): despite the 74th Amendment, states retain control over city functions, finances and officials, leaving urban local bodies weak. The Twelfth Schedule functions are devolved only at the state legislature's discretion, which limits real autonomy. The way forward is to devolve functions, functionaries and funds, strengthen municipal finances, and empower city governments for accountable urban governance.
Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
The 2nd National Urban Conclave called for empowered city governments. The Twelfth Schedule, listing 18 functional items for municipalities, was added to the Constitution by which Amendment?
- 73rd Amendment
- 74th Amendment
- 42nd Amendment
- 44th Amendment
Show answer
Answer: B — Correct: 74th Amendment — The 74th Amendment added Part IXA and the Twelfth Schedule on municipalities. • 73rd Amendment — wrong: The 73rd Amendment dealt with Panchayati Raj and added the Eleventh Schedule. • 42nd Amendment — wrong: The 42nd Amendment is known for the Preamble changes and Fundamental Duties. • 44th Amendment — wrong: The 44th Amendment dealt with the right to property and Emergency safeguards.
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