Constitutional Mandate

• Metropolitan Planning Committee is a constitutional body under Article 243ZE (Part IX A) of the constitution.

Origin

• The creation of a Metropolitan Planning Committee is required in every metropolitan area having a population of at least one million or more people.
• The State Assemblies of respective states have the power to create a Metropolitan Planning Committee. The State Assemblies can also decide on:
  • The structure of these committees;
  • Appointment of representatives to the committee;
  • Representatives of National government, local and state governments on these committees;
  • Work of these committees;
  • Selection of the chairman of these committees;

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What are the functions of the Metropolitan Planning Committee?

• Considering Proposals: The committee looks at the proposals given by the Municipal governments as well as Gram panchayat within the metropolitan region.
• Identify Similar Interests: The committee looks to identify similar interests between the Municipal governments and Gram panchayats, ensuring synchronized spatial development plans of the region.
• Goals and Priorities: It identifies cumulative goals and priorities set up by the state and central government.
• Potential Investments: The committee scope of potential investments is expected to be implemented in the metropolitan region by state and central government agencies.
• Working with Like-minded Organizations: The committee will engage with organizations and institutions as the Governor might specify.

What is the significance of the Metropolitan Planning Committee?

• Planning Development: The Metropolitan Planning Committee drives the development and economic growth of the country through planning, execution, and cooperation.
• Quality of Service: The Metropolitan Planning Committee is tasked with increasing the quality of services provided, including urban transportation, waste management, public health, and policy.
• Democratic Institution: The committee is a high-level, democratically chosen entity that would help in the planning and implementation of the metropolitan region.
• Handle Concerns: The committee handles common concerns affecting municipalities as well as the panchayats within the metro area.
• Guidance: Local governments are given guidance on establishing development plans.
• Reduce Overlapping Conflict: The committee carries out conflict management and the avoidance of overlap between the numerous agencies. 

What are the drawbacks of the Metropolitan Planning Committee?

• Limited Powers: Despite being a constitutional body it has limited powers. This is because state governments are reluctant to hand over their powers.
• Resource Shortage: The committee has limited effectiveness because it lacks employees, funds, and executive powers.
• Considering New Challenges: The Metropolitan Planning Committee has failed to address new challenges such as disaster risk management, transportation, housing, environmental degradation, etc.

Way forward

• Competent Administration: A way has to be provided by the state legislature to provide competent administration by giving up some of its powers.
• Mayoral Governance: The Indian municipal administration must target a Mayoral form of government in the future where the mayor is elected by the people.
• A bridge between Other Bodies: The Municipal Planning Committee should act as a bridge between municipal governments and the state authority.

74th Amendment of the Constitution

• Constitutional Provision: The structure for the Municipal Planning Committee was given by the 74th Amendment Act of 1992. The amendment gave powers and functions to the Municipal bodies at different levels. 
  • Articles 243-P to 243-ZG concern the provisions related to the Municipalities. Further, a new schedule, the 12th schedule was added, which contained 18 functional items of municipalities. 
• Local Bodies under the 12th Schedule:
  • Nagar Panchayat (a transition area between rural and urban)
  • Municipal Council (smaller urban area)
  • Municipal Corporation (large urban area)
• Powers and Functions:
  • The state legislature may provide powers and responsibilities to the municipalities for preparing plans for economic development and social justice and for the implementation of schemes. 
  • A list of functions that may be given to the municipalities has been provided as the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Finances of Municipal Bodies:
  • State legislatures can specify the Taxes, duties, fees, etc. which could be levied and collected by the Municipalities.
  • The legislature can also specify Taxes, duties, fees, etc. which would be levied and collected by the State Government and a share passed on to the Municipalities.
  • The legislatures can also specify the Grant-in-aid that would be given to the Municipalities.
• Elections: The State Election Commission is tasked with superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections for urban local bodies.
• Reservation of Seats:
  • Reservation of seats for the scheduled castes and the scheduled tribes in every municipality concerning their population;
  • One-third reservation for women in total number of seats;
  • The manner of reservation of offices of chairpersons in the municipalities for SCs, STs, and women is provided by the state legislature.
  • The legislature can make reservations in the Municipality or offices of chairpersons in municipalities in favor of backward classes. 
• Term of Membership: Elections have to be held for municipal bodies every 5 years. In case of dissolution before the expiry of the term, a new municipality is to be constituted within a period of 6 months from the day of dissolution.

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Conclusion:

The Metropolitan Planning Committee can become an effective institution if it is given people, funds, as well as executive powers. It will further democratize decision-making at local levels.