Comprehensive urban governance reforms are becoming more and more necessary as Maharashtra is nearing a point of being India's most urbanised state. It is anticipated that more than half of the state's population will reside in urban areas by 2025, placing tremendous pressure on local governments to oversee resources, provide services, and promote sustainable growth.
The Praja Foundation has acknowledged this by releasing the "Maharashtra Manifesto: Target Set for 2024-29," a comprehensive action plan designed to address the urgent governance issues that the state's metropolitan centres are currently confronting. A plan for strengthening municipal finances, empowering city leadership, and encouraging greater citizen participation is outlined in the manifesto.
Many of Maharashtra's 29 municipal corporations lack elected representatives as a result of the state-wide postponement of municipal elections, which makes the manifesto timely. The founder and managing trustee of the Praja Foundation, Nitai Mehta, stressed the role that local government plays in determining the direction of Maharashtra's cities. The potential that lies ahead of us is enormous. The economic growth of Maharashtra is mostly driven by urban centres, but if city governments are to take the lead in accomplishing sustainable development objectives, we must give them more authority, Mehta stated.
Concerns on the condition of urban governance were also expressed by Milind Mhaske, CEO of the Praja Foundation. The fact that many of our cities function without elected governments is concerning. Making sure that the needs and goals of our residents are taken into account when making important decisions about public services, infrastructure, and the use of public finances is more important than simply focusing on the workings of governance, Mhaske said. He urged the state to convene long-overdue municipal elections right away in order to give city governments their democratic accountability back.
The central claim of the manifesto is that in order for Maharashtra's urban centres to satisfy the expanding needs of its citizens, local administration must be given more authority. The lengthening of the mayoral tenure to match the entire five-year term of city governments, which would allow for more continuity in governance, is one of the major reforms put forth by Praja. Long-term planning and execution are hampered by the current system, which only allows mayors to hold office for two and a half years.
The manifesto also calls for the creation of a cabinet system in local governments, which would be based on the framework of the federal and state governments. This will enhance coordination and expedite project execution by giving mayors the authority to preside over an apex decision-making body made up of the chairpersons of many standing committees.
The manifesto also highlights the lack of financial autonomy for local governments as a major issue. Maharashtra's municipalities currently rely heavily on state funds, which limits their capacity to develop and carry out long-term projects. According to Praja's manifesto, city administrations should be given more financial authority so they can independently enact new levies and amend current ones.
Mumbai's police force currently has a 30% vacancy rate, which has caused backlogs in criminal cases and delays in investigations. The manifesto demands that the Supreme Court's ordered police reforms be fully implemented and that the police force make a determined effort to fill open jobs. Enhancing law enforcement's ability to combat the surge in cybercrime, which has increased by 243% in Mumbai over the previous five years, is another point the manifesto emphasises.
Other Key Concerns Highlighted in the Maharashtra Manifesto 2024-29:
1. Road Infrastructure
2. Air Quality & Pollution
3. Public Health System
4. Sewage & Sanitation
5. Education
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