Question

Explain any five features of the 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India.

Answer 1

1. The state government shall pass laws to establish municipal entities. A municipality can be elevated to the status of a corporation. The law will determine its authority. Its members are elected; however, representation in such bodies may be granted to MLAs, MLCs and MPs from that area. A state government statute will specify the minimum age and qualifications of the candidates.
2. These bodies have a five-year tenure. The Governor may appoint successors at any time, but elections must be held within the next six months.
3. Seats in these organisations shall be reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their populations, with women receiving one-third of the seats. The state government may, by law, reserve seats for OBCs in proportion to their populations.
4. The head of the municipal board or corporation shall be elected, directly or indirectly, in accordance with state law.
5. The elections will be conducted by the State's Election Commissioner, who will have the same position as a High Court Judge.
6. This system shall apply to all states, but it may also apply to a Union Territory with the permission of the President of India.
7. Municipalities may levy small taxes such as tolls, vehicle taxes, market and fair taxes and so on, in accordance with state legislation. They will also receive financial support from the state government.