Economy
NITI Aayog Member Urges Stronger City Governments for India’s Urban Growth
Rajiv Gauba called for empowered municipal governments, better urban financing and planning reforms to manage India’s expanding cities.
What happened
NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba urged states to give urban local bodies greater authority, capacity and funding. He recommended five-year directly elected mayors, mayor-in-council systems, timely municipal elections and transfer of all 18 functions listed under the 74th Constitutional Amendment. India’s urban population is projected to rise from about 500 million to 850 million by 2050.
Why it matters
Cities will need stronger planning, housing, infrastructure and basic services as their populations grow. Municipalities’ weak revenues and limited state transfers remain major constraints on delivery.
Source: Press Information Bureau (India)