Topic: Evaluation of the Functioning of Urban Local Governance Bodies
Apart from structural and capacity-related challenges, the functioning of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across various states is significantly affected by the following issues.
BPSC has been asking questions on Local Governance Topic. In 70th Mains, a question was asked on PRIs. It is in news due to BMC elections. You can cite these examples
1️⃣ Lack of Regular Elections- Municipal Corporation of Mumbai (BMC), the richest municipal corporation in India, reflects this democratic deficit. Despite its financial strength and administrative importance, municipal elections in Mumbai have not been conducted for nearly eight years
2️⃣ Political Interference:
ULBs face partisan control over funds and decisions. Between Feb 2023 and Oct 2025, the BMC allocated almost all sanctioned development funds (~₹1,476.92 crore out of ₹1,490.66 crore) to constituencies of ruling alliance legislators, showing bias and reduced institutional neutrality.