Identify the main features of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 brought about significant changes to the structure and functioning of urban local bodies in India. The amendment aimed at promoting decentralization, empowering local self-governance, and enhancing citizen participation in urban administration. Here are the main features of the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act:

1. Constitutional Status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs):
The amendment conferred constitutional status to municipalities, including municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats. This recognition elevated the importance of urban local bodies and established them as constitutionally mandated institutions.

2. Three Types of Municipalities:
The amendment categorized urban local bodies into three types – Municipal Corporations for larger urban areas, Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas, and Nagar Panchayats for transitional areas. This categorization recognized the diverse needs and capacities of different urban settings.

3. Constitution of District Planning Committees (DPCs):
To ensure coordination between rural and urban planning, the amendment mandated the constitution of District Planning Committees in every district. These committees, comprising elected representatives from rural and urban local bodies, aimed at fostering integrated planning for balanced regional development.

4. Composition and Reservation of Seats:
The amendment specified the composition of municipal bodies, with provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and women. This move aimed at promoting social justice and inclusive governance by ensuring adequate representation for marginalized sections.

5. Establishment of State Election Commissions:
States were required to establish State Election Commissions to conduct elections to urban local bodies. This provision ensured the independence and autonomy of the electoral process for municipal bodies.

6. Reservation of Functions:
The amendment outlined the distribution of functions and powers between the municipal bodies and state governments. It granted ULBs the authority to manage urban planning, regulation of land use, local taxation, and other crucial functions. This was a significant step in decentralizing decision-making and enhancing the autonomy of local bodies.

7. Formation of Wards Committees:
To enhance citizen participation, the amendment mandated the formation of Wards Committees in municipalities. These committees were intended to act as forums for citizens to express their needs and concerns at the ward level, facilitating grassroots involvement in local governance.

8. Constitution of Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs):
For metropolitan areas, the amendment mandated the establishment of Metropolitan Planning Committees. These committees were designed to address issues specific to large urban agglomerations and facilitate coordinated planning for sustainable development.

9. Financial Devolution:
The amendment emphasized the importance of financial devolution to urban local bodies. It stipulated that state finance commissions would recommend the principles for determining the financial resources that should be assigned to municipalities. This provision aimed at ensuring that local bodies had the necessary financial autonomy to discharge their functions effectively.

10. Strengthening Local Government Institutions:
By providing constitutional status, reservation of seats, and delineation of functions, the 74th Amendment sought to strengthen local government institutions. The intention was to create vibrant and accountable urban local bodies capable of addressing the complex challenges of urban governance.

In conclusion, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act marked a crucial step towards decentralization and democratization of urban governance in India. By granting constitutional status, delineating functions, and promoting citizen participation, the amendment aimed at fostering effective and inclusive local self-governance in urban areas.