The Municipal Corporation is responsible for handling civic issues at the local level, and its operations are governed by the 74th Amendment Act, 1992, of the Constitution of India. However, various challenges affect the effective functioning of Municipal Corporations, including:
- Scarcity of funds: One of the major issues faced by municipal corporations, as their income primarily comes from taxes, and if collections are not optimal, it limits their ability to function properly.
- Inability to fulfill duties: Many basic civic duties such as water supply, drainage, garbage disposal, road management, and slum development are not carried out efficiently, leading to public dissatisfaction.
- Excessive state government control: The state government’s interference in the operations of municipal corporations can sometimes hinder their ability to function effectively and make independent decisions.
- Postponing of elections: Delays in holding municipal elections lead to a lack of accountability and inefficient governance.
- Recruitment issues: Municipal corporations often face difficulties in attracting and retaining talented individuals due to inadequate recruitment processes, which affect their overall functioning.
When a municipal corporation fails to perform its duties or engages in practices that are detrimental to public welfare, citizens can take action. For example, if there are issues like poorly maintained roads, broken street lights, or unsatisfactory public services, the following steps can be taken:
- Write a letter to the Municipal Corporation detailing the issue and requesting action.
- File a case under the Civil Procedure Code (CPC) against the Municipal Corporation if the issues persist and affect public welfare.
By exercising these rights, citizens can ensure that the Municipal Corporation is held accountable for its responsibilities and can address the issues that directly affect the community.