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Janaagraha, a non-profit organization working to strengthen governance systems in India's cities, reports that 46% of councilors in urban local bodies are women.

Key Highlights of the Report

19 out of 21 capital cities with active urban local bodies have more than 60% female councilors.

Tamil Nadu has the highest number of female councilors in India. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh are the top ten states with the most women councilors.

17 Indian states have passed legislation requiring 50% female representation in urban local bodies, which is more than the constitutional minimum. The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) ensures that women hold at least one-third of all seats in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Mandatory constitutional reservation provisions have significantly increased women's political participation. They have given women a more powerful political voice, allowing them to influence public health, food security, education, and the delivery of services to female constituents.

The report suggested a roadmap for India’s urban transformation

The roadmap proposes three strategies for urban transformation: place-based governance of cities, decentralized participatory governance, and state capacity building.

It recommends implementing a rural-urban transition policy to support the planned urbanisation of rapidly urbanising villages, mentioning that many villages have already been converted into cities since Census 2011.

It suggests that cities should move away from sector, scheme, and funding-oriented governance and toward a more place-based governance model.

Recommendation for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

The roadmap recommends redesigning the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, as well as state urban departments, to prioritize regional economies and local governments, strengthen local self-government institutions, and organize around regions rather than sectors, schemes, and funding sources.

Decentralised Participatory Governance

It stresses strengthening urban local governments (ULGs) and increasing citizen participation through the 74th constitutional amendment. It also focuses on issues such as delayed council elections, weakened ULGs, and a lack of formal platforms for citizen participation.

Measures are suggested for Skilling ULGs staff

The roadmap suggests certification-based skill-building programs for ULG employees, the setting up municipal shared service centers, a digital public finance management system, and the creation of a portfolio of projects in all cities to encourage municipal borrowing.

Way Forward

Rapid urbanisation makes it more difficult for women to live in cities because of inadequate urban services and infrastructure. Their participation in urban governance is essential to closing these gaps and creating gender-responsive and inclusive urban spaces.

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Source:

The Hindu