Urban Governance

India's urbanisation is progressing at an unprecedented pace, with the number of statutory towns growing significantly in recent years. This rapid transformation presents immense opportunities but also challenges, particularly in governance, infrastructure, and planning.

The proposed urban governance reforms by the Union government aim to address these challenges with a focus on structural changes, citizen participation, and the rural-urban transition.

One of the most critical aspects of these reforms is the empowerment of mayors. Currently, mayors in most Indian cities have limited authority, with their tenure often lasting just a year. This short term not only undermines their ability to implement long-term policies but also disrupts continuity in governance.

By extending mayoral tenure to five years and redefining their roles and responsibilities, the government plans to instil stability in city leadership. Such empowerment, coupled with clear authority to oversee urban development, could enable mayors to become central figures in shaping cities' futures.