Category: Urban Local Government

Local government bodies operating in urban areas are commonly known as Urban Local Governments (ULGs). Constitutional status has been provided to them through 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992.

Urban Local Governments (ULG) are of three types: (i) Town Councils (Nagar Panchayats) for areas in transition from being rural to urban; (ii) Municipalities (Nagar Palikas) for smaller urban areas; (iii) Municipal Corporations (Mahangar Palikas) for larger urban areas. The role of ULGs became more key after they were statutorily responsible for providing basic infrastructural facilities and ensuring their maintenance. ULGs often have the burden of limited financial resources and the unlimited needs for public services.

Additionally, Cantonment Boards also come under ULGs. These boards are created to provide municipal administration for the civilian population which lives in cantonment areas (where army troops are permanently stationed).