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Part IXA of the Constitution of India (Articles 243P–243ZG), inserted by the Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992, provides the constitutional framework for urban local self-government through Municipalities, including composition, reservations, tenure, powers, finances, elections, planning committees, applicability, and limits on judicial interference in electoral matters.
Articles 243P to 243ZG
Definitions
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Constitution of Municipalities
Composition of Municipalities
Constitution and composition of Wards Committees, etc.
Reservation of seats
Duration of Municipalities, etc.
Disqualifications for membership
Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities, etc.
Power to impose taxes by, and Funds of, the Municipalities
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Finance Commission
Audit of accounts of Municipalities
Elections to the Municipalities
Application to Union territories
Part not to apply to certain areas
Committee for district planning
Committee for Metropolitan planning
Continuance of existing laws and Municipalities
Bar to interference by courts in electoral matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Which amendment inserted Part IXA and when did it come into force?
The Constitution (Seventy-fourth Amendment) Act, 1992 inserted Part IXA; it came into force on 1 June 1993.
What definitions are included in Article 243P?
Article 243P defines key terms such as Municipality, Municipal area, Metropolitan area, District, and Committee for clarity in the Part’s application.
How are Municipalities constituted and composed?
Article 243Q provides for Nagar Panchayats, Municipal Councils, and Municipal Corporations; Article 243R provides that members are directly elected from wards, with nominated members not having voting rights.
What reservations are mandated for Municipalities?
Article 243T mandates reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and not less than one-third of seats for women, including reservation of Chairperson offices as provided by law.
What is the tenure of a Municipality?
Article 243U provides a five-year duration for Municipalities from their first meeting, with elections due before expiry or within six months of dissolution.
What powers and finances do Municipalities have?
Article 243W enables State law to endow Municipalities with powers and responsibilities; Article 243X enables taxation, assignments, grants-in-aid, and establishing Municipal Funds.
What is the role of the State Finance Commission for Municipalities?
Article 243Y requires a State Finance Commission to review municipal finances and recommend revenue distribution, taxes to be assigned, grants-in-aid, and measures to strengthen resources.