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. 02/10/2024 1:10 PM
Kerala has emerged as a leader in urban governance in India, recently securing the top position in the Urban Governance Index (UGI) conducted by the Praja Foundation. With a score of 59.31 out of 100, Kerala has set a benchmark for effective city management, outpacing Odisha, which scored 55.10. This achievement reflects Kerala’s commitment to decentralization and fiscal empowerment, while also highlighting areas needing improvement. This article delves into what the UGI measures, Kerala’s financial strengths, local governance practices, and the challenges that the state faces.
The Urban Governance Index (UGI) is a comprehensive assessment tool that evaluates the effectiveness of urban governance in various cities across India. Conducted over two years by the Praja Foundation, the index examines a range of metrics that impact the quality of life for citizens, including fiscal management, administrative efficiency, and citizen participation. The UGI aims to attract investments and promote sustainable urban development by highlighting effective governance practices and identifying areas for improvement.
One of the standout features of Kerala's performance in the UGI is its high score in fiscal empowerment. Scoring 23.22 out of 30, Kerala has demonstrated robust financial management at the local level, surpassing Maharashtra, which scored 21.15. This financial strength allows Kerala to allocate resources effectively for urban development, ensuring that local governments are empowered to meet the needs of their communities. Such fiscal capacity is essential for implementing projects that improve infrastructure, public services, and overall urban living conditions.
Kerala’s approach to local governance is characterized by its commitment to decentralization and active citizen participation. The state is one of only four in India that mandates every city councillor to participate in at least one deliberative committee, fostering a culture of engagement and accountability. This involvement ensures that local governance is responsive to the needs of the community. Moreover, Kerala is unique in allowing mayors to write an ‘Annual Confidential Report’ for city commissioners, enhancing the accountability of city administration.
The state is also making strides in adopting technology to improve governance. By integrating modern solutions, Kerala aims to streamline service delivery and make local government operations more efficient, further enhancing the quality of urban life.
Despite its achievements, Kerala faces several challenges that hinder its overall urban governance effectiveness. Notably, the state ranked only 20th in the empowerment of city administration, indicating that there is significant room for improvement in how cities are managed. One major concern is the high vacancy rate in local government positions, which can impede the efficiency and effectiveness of urban management.
Additionally, many functions that are meant to be devolved to city governments are managed by multiple agencies, which diminishes the independent authority of local governance. The persistent issue of a weak mayoral system across many Indian states also constrains effective city leadership, limiting the ability of mayors to make crucial decisions.
Another pressing issue is the delay in holding municipal elections in some areas, with major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru functioning without elected local governments for extended periods. However, Kerala stands out as a model for conducting timely municipal elections, ensuring that local bodies are democratically elected and accountable.
Kerala's top ranking in the Urban Governance Index highlights its significant achievements in urban management, particularly in fiscal empowerment and decentralized governance. While the state serves as a model for effective local governance, addressing the challenges in city administration and ensuring timely municipal elections will be critical for sustaining its leadership in urban governance. As Kerala continues to innovate and adapt, it sets an example for other states in India, showcasing how effective governance can lead to sustainable urban development and improved quality of life for citizens.
