Write a short note on describe the features of Seventy-fourth Constitutional Amendment.

The Seventy-fourth Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, was a landmark legislation aimed at empowering urban local bodies (ULBs) and strengthening local self-government in India. It introduced significant reforms to enhance the functioning, structure, and powers of municipal bodies, paving the way for decentralization and grassroots democracy. Some of the key features of the Seventy-fourth Constitutional Amendment are:

1. Constitutional Recognition:
   The amendment accorded constitutional status to urban local bodies, recognizing them as institutions of self-government under Part IXA of the Constitution. This constitutional recognition provided a legal framework for the functioning and powers of municipal bodies, ensuring their autonomy and authority in local governance.

2. Three-Tier Structure:
   The amendment mandated the establishment of a three-tier system of urban local bodies in every state, comprising Municipal Corporations for larger cities, Municipalities for smaller urban areas, and Nagar Panchayats for transitional areas. This hierarchical structure facilitated decentralized governance and tailored decision-making to local needs and circumstances.

3. Reservation of Seats:
   The amendment introduced provisions for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in urban local bodies, ensuring adequate representation and participation of marginalized communities in local governance. It also mandated reservation of seats for women, with one-third of the total seats reserved for women in ULBs.

4. Devolution of Powers and Functions:
   The amendment mandated the devolution of powers and functions to urban local bodies, empowering them to plan, implement, and monitor various local development activities. Municipal bodies were entrusted with responsibilities related to urban planning, infrastructure development, public health, sanitation, education, and social welfare, among others.

5. Formation of District Planning Committees:
   The amendment mandated the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) in every district, comprising elected representatives from local bodies and state legislators. DPCs were entrusted with the task of preparing development plans for the district, coordinating between rural and urban local bodies, and allocating resources for local development.

6. Finance Commission:
   The amendment provided for the establishment of State Finance Commissions (SFCs) and Finance Commissions at the district level to recommend principles for the distribution of financial resources between the state government and ULBs. These commissions aimed to ensure adequate financial autonomy and resources for municipal bodies to fulfill their functions effectively.

7. Strengthening of Municipalities:
   The amendment sought to strengthen municipal bodies by providing them with greater financial autonomy, administrative powers, and accountability mechanisms. It emphasized the need for transparent and participatory governance, efficient service delivery, and citizen engagement in local decision-making processes.

Overall, the Seventy-fourth Constitutional Amendment marked a significant milestone in the evolution of urban governance in India, ushering in reforms to empower urban local bodies, promote decentralization, and enhance grassroots democracy. By institutionalizing mechanisms for local self-government and devolving powers to municipal bodies, the amendment aimed to address the diverse needs and challenges of urban areas and promote inclusive and sustainable urban development.