Fueled by migration and development, Indian cities are in a constant state of change, presenting unique challenges to urban governance systems. In a recent report by Janaagraha, systemic gaps affecting the quality of life in cities have come to light.
Lack of Long-term Planning
Growing cities require robust, long-term plans to ensure quality services and sustainable infrastructure. Surprisingly, 39% of India’s capital cities lack active spatial plans, with only nine having comprehensive plans to address key urban needs. Smaller cities face particular challenges in this regard.
Slow Reforms
Reforming city systems faces numerous hurdles, including a lack of administrative autonomy, reliance on central policies, and limited powers for local governments.
Short mayoral tenures often hinder meaningful change, leaving councils with restricted authority over their staff.
Transparency Issues
Access to civic data is limited, with only 11 states and Union territories mandating public disclosure. Data format and accessibility remain problematic, hindering in-depth analysis. While some larger cities show improved financial transparency, there’s still ample room for enhancement.
These insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of urban governance in India, underlining the pressing need for systemic reforms to elevate the quality of life in cities.
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